A man has been jailed for a horrific machete attack in Tooting that left the victim with life-changing injuries to his arm.

Noor Kayani, 37, of Gatton Road, Wandsworth, was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment at Kingston Crown Court on Friday (February 26).

The dramatic incident unfolded at around 3:30pm on June 21 in Selkirk Road, at the junction with Tooting High Street.

The victim and Kayani knew each other and met in nearby St Cyprian's Street to discuss a personal matter when a row erupted and Kayani stole the victim's phone. He refused to hand it back and punched the victim in the face.

Kayani then stabbed the victim and fled the scene, while the victim was rushed to hospital for urgent medical treatment. Doctors assessed his condition as life-changing.

It wasn't until a bin collector, who had discovered the machete inside a sheath, contacted the police that the weapon was found.

The knife was passed to detectives who sent it for forensic analysis, linking the weapon to Kayani who was later charged.

The victim underwent surgery and was advised he would need months of rehabilitation having suffered nerve damage, which continues to affect him to this day.

Detective Constable Tayler-Rose Mayhew, lead investigator, said: "I am delighted that we have secured such a significant sentence for what was an atrocious attack that took place in the street in broad daylight. Kayani denied any involvement but we were able to prove beyond doubt that he was responsible.

"This brutal incident was the result of a petty argument between the two men involving a woman known to both of them.

"The victim had thought they would settle the dispute verbally and was completely unprepared for the nightmarish situation that would ensue.

"He has been left with life-changing physical injuries, and will also bear the mental scars for a long time to come.

"Kayani's sentencing is a prime example that the South West Command Unit will not tolerate violence in our streets. We will work 24/7 with our partners in the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that those responsible are punished to the full extent of the law."