Three men have been found not guilty of attempted murder following a machete attack in Worcester - but did commit grievous bodily harm with intent.

Usman Multani, 27, of Westminster Road, Ronkswood, Kaasim Multani, 23, also of Westminster Road and Shahenul Alam, 32, of Ivor Road, Sparkhill, had denied both charges as well as one of violent disorder.

A jury at Worcester Crown Court was sent out to begin their deliberations at about 3pm on Tuesday (March 15). They returned at 1pm today (Thursday, March 17) and delivered unanimous verdicts on the three defendants an hour later.

Sobbing could be heard from the public gallery as the verdicts were read out, as could cries of “they’re innocent” and “they didn’t do anything” a short while later as Judge Nicholas Cartwright thanked the jury for their work during the five-week trial.

The Worcester News previously reported how Owais Saleem suffered a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain following the attack at around 1am in Wyld's Lane, Worcester on November 24, 2019.

Mr Saleem was taken by car to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester, where he could be seen on CCTV footage in A&E clutching his bleeding face.

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A staff nurse later described to police that it looked like 'his face was hanging off his skull'.

The trial, which began last month, saw the victim Mr Saleem give evidence from behind a screen. The three defendants admitted they were present when the attack took place but denied being involved in any violence.

The jury evidently disagreed with that version of events, although they found all three not guilty of the more serious offence of attempted murder.

Judge Cartwright was note at 1pm today saying the jury had reached a verdict but the court broke for lunch first.

They returned an hour later to deliver guilty verdicts regarding the charges of grievous bodily harm with intent. Judge Cartwright said they didn’t need to return verdicts on the charge of violent disorder.

Sentencing will take place tomorrow.