Father's finger chopped off with an AXE in 'horrific' attack that left him needing 38 staples to seal wounds all over his body 

• James Ward, 31, attacked at his home by two intruders wielding an axe
• Horrific attack severed one finger and left him needing 38 staples
• Mr Ward says he is now too scared to return home and is in hiding
• Man, 23, charged with aggravated burglary and grievous bodily harm
• WARNING: Graphic content 

By Keiligh Baker for MailOnline

Published: 06:10 EST, 14 April 2015 | Updated: 07:00 EST, 14 April 2015

James Ward (pictured) was left with a severed finger and wounds all over of his body after being attacked at his home by axe-wielding intruders

A father-of-six who was attacked with an axe lost a finger in the incident which left him needing 38 staples to seal wounds all over his body.

James Ward, 31, of Burnley, Lancashire, also had several other fingers partially severed and surgeons were forced to use staples to seal wounds to his head, legs, and back. 

They managed to reattach his left index finger.

Mr Ward is now in hiding and is too afraid to return to his home and see his children because he fears his attackers will kill him if he does.

He said: 'I'm too scared to go back. I think they thought the job was done. I have done things in the past but nothing to warrant this attack.'

He was painting his kitchen just after midnight when he heard a noise at the front of the house.

'I ran towards the front door and turned to talk to my four friends who were there when the door went through,' he said. 'I was hit in the back with an axe.

'All the others ran upstairs. After they cut my finger off there was a lot of blood so I think panic set in.'

As Mr Ward put his hands up to protect himself, his left index finger was chopped off, while several others were also partially severed.

The pair then struck him repeatedly on his arms, head, legs, and back.

Mr Ward said: 'I'm only a few stone wet through and they could have beaten me up with just their hands. I was on the floor when they hit me in the head with the axe.

'And if the axe had been sharp instead of blunt, they would have chopped my arm off.'

'I don't know why they stopped. They said if I went to the police they would kill me.

'I have done things in the past but nothing to warrant this attack.'

Mr Ward is pictured shortly after the attack - he needed 38 staples to seal the wounds all over his body

The frenzy was finally over when Mr Ward dragged himself to safety under a kitchen counter. He stumbled outside and was spotted by a neighbour, who called the emergency services.

Mr Ward said: 'I was woozy because I had lost a lot of blood. My neighbour asked if I was all right and I was saying, 'I can't find my finger.'

He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital before being transferred to Preston, where he was kept for treatment and his own safety until his family could fetch him and take him to his hometown of Manchester, where he is now recovering from the ordeal.

He said: 'I'm having to get my mum to help me wash. I feel like a child again.

'I feel like crying all the time and I can't go out on my own. I'm too scared to go and see my own children.

'I can't get it out my head. I can't sleep at night and I don't know what to do.'

Detectives investigating the attack on Saturday, April 4, are urging anybody with information to come forward as the search for the bloodied weapons continues.

Mr Ward is now in hiding and is too afraid to return home because he fears his attackers will kill him

Mr Ward said: 'Near to my house is spare ground, a lot of woodland and the canal so they might have thrown them in there.'

Det Sgt Alisa Wilson said: 'This was a horrific attack on a young man in his own home.

'I am appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the offence, the aftermath or has any information in connection with it to make contact.

'Despite charges being brought against one man, the investigation is continuing and I am appealing for witnesses to come forward.'

A 23-year-old man appeared before magistrates in Burnley yesterday charged with aggravated burglary and grievous bodily harm.

He was remanded in custody and will make his next appearance at Burnley Crown Court at 9.30am on Thursday, May 7.

A 22-year-old man was also arrested and was released on bail pending further enquiries.

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