TWO men have been seriously injured after being attacked with a Samurai sword-type weapon just minutes into the new year.

Police yesterday charged a 31-year-old local man in connection with the incident.

It happened at about 12.30am on New Year’s Day, in Inman Walk, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire.

The two victims, a man also aged 31 and a 21-year-old man, both required surgery for serious injuries after the attack and remain in hospital in a stable condition.

Officers yesterday recovered the 2ft-long Samuraistyle sword thought to have been used in the incident, following extensive searches in the local area.

A man was arrested shortly after the incident and was held by police for questioning until yesterday, when he was formally charged.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court today, charged with two counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.

A police spokesman said that, although the victims’ injuries were not thought to be life threatening, they would require “a significant amount of surgery”.

The 31-year-old victim was taken to Harrogate Hospital for emergency treatment after suffering a serious cut to his arm during the incident.

The second victim suffered a cut to his face and was taken to York Hospital.

Officers are still carrying out investigations into the circumstances of the incident and are asking witnesses to come forward to help them piece together the events of the evening.

A number of cars parked in Inman Walk were also damaged in the incident.

Witnesses or anyone with information that could assist the investigation are asked to contact Harrogate CID on 0845-60-60-247, quoting reference 12110000204.

Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.