A MAN appeared in court this morning charged with offences relating to a serious assault in Leeds in which a man suffered a severed hand.

George Johns, 24, of Swarcliffe, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of violent disorder, in relation to the incident on Stanks Parade, Swarcliffe on Tuesday night, where an 18-year-old man was attacked with a machete.

He appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court this morning.

Detectives from Leeds District CID are continuing to carry out enquiries into the incident and are still keen to hear from anyone with any information that could assist.

A Section 60 order, which gives officers additional stop and search powers to check people for weapons, was extended for 24 hours yesterday, and remains in place.

It covers an area of east Leeds encompassing Harehills, Gipton, Halton Moor, Swarcliffe and adjoining areas either side of the A64.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101, quoting crime reference 13210182460, or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.