A MAN was attacked with an axe in Ealing on Monday.

Police went to a disused building behind the Harvester pub in Uxbridge Road after being alerted by members of the public.

A police vehicle was flagged down by Transport for London staff at about 7.40am after residents reported seeing a man with an axe.

They discovered a man had been hit in the face with an axe while sleeping in the empty houses.

They arrested another man who it is believed had also been staying there.

Anna Jesson, 26, of Rayners Lane, said: "I saw a policewoman carrying out a blood-stained axe.

"A man in handcuffs was also led out.

"There was a police van and two or three police cars.

"It was very frightening.

"I was on my way to work and got a real shock.

"You don't expect to see that sort of thing any time, let alone first thing in the morning."

Police spokesman Chris Mullally said: "The 43-year-old victim was in bed at the time.

"He was woken by being hit.

"He suffered a five-inch cut to the bridge of his nose from a blow to the face with an axe."

The man was taken to Ealing Hospital and released a short time afterwards.

l Gilbert Burke, 53, of no fixed abode appeared at Ealing Magistrates' Court on Tuesday charged with wounding with intent.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on December 11.

bmbridger@londo0n.newsquest.co.uk