THREE men who were arrested on suspicion of slashing a pedestrian with a machete in an attempted robbery have been released on bail.
The trio were seized by police after the attack in the early hours of Tuesday (January 11) in the Clay Path alleyway which links Winns Avenue and Bedford Road in Walthamstow.
Police now say the victim, a 38-year-old man, is expected to make a full recovery and will be discharged from hospital soon.
He suffered cuts to one of his legs and has had to undergo surgery.
Officers are linking the incident to an attempted break-in at a home in nearby Brettenham Road, Walthamstow, minutes later.
The suspects are believed to have walked to the property from Clay Path.
The council controversially issued an order back in September to lock the alleyway during the hours of darkness.
However the authority has yet to enforce it pending refurbishment works at Lloyd Park.
A council spokesman has confirmed that Clay Path's gates were not locked on the night of the attack.
A Met spokeswoman said the arrested men had been bailed to return to police in March and enquiries were continuing.
Anyone with information about the incidents is urged to contact DC Karl Dines at Chingford Police Station on 0203-276-0967.
To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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