Sword attack accused freed on bail

A teenager who was arrested over a samurai sword attack near Palmerston North has been released on bail.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, faced a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm when he appeared in Palmerston North Youth Court yesterday.

His arrest followed an attack outside a party on Saturday night in which a man's hand was almost severed and his other badly damaged.

The 20-year-old victim was taken to Hutt Hospital for surgery. His condition was not known.

The youth will reappear in court on June 23.

- NZPA