A MACHETE-wielding maniac repeatedly slashed a woman across the head and arms in a dimly-lit Bolton street.

The 31-year-old woman was attacked as she bought drugs from a dealer.

The victim - who has not been identified - suffered horrific injuries including two fractures of her skull. One blow virtually severed her elbow and others nearly cut off her fingers as she held her arms across her face to protect herself.

The woman was still under police guard in a North-west hospital this afternoon. Detectives, who fear the maniac may try to attack the woman again, are refusing to identify the hospital to protect her. Medical staff have described her condition as "serious but stable."

A large manhunt is underway to track down the thug who attacked the woman in Union Road, Tonge Moor, at 8pm on Sunday. The woman is understood to have been buying drugs from two dealers under a railway arch when the attacker pounced. The two drug dealers, who were in a black Fiesta XR2, drove away at high speed as the man repeatedly slashed the woman.

The bloodstained woman was taken to hospital by a passer-by before the police were contacted.

The man leading the investigation said the man they are hunting is "desperate and dangerous."

Det Chief Insp David Emsley, head of Astley Bridge CID, said: "This was a brutal attack. The victim suffered horrific injuries."

Police have released a detailed description of the attacker who is white, about 5ft 9ins tall and medium build. He was wearing a green anorak and a black balaclava and gloves.

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