Two men have each been jailed for eight years after being involved in a knife attack in which a man was slashed on the face and neck, in Riverside Road, Norwich.

Eastern Daily Press: Luqman Ali. Police picturesLuqman Ali. Police pictures (Image: Archant)

Kamal Hajizada, 25, of no fixed address, and 22-year-old Luqman Ali, of York Road in Great Yarmouth, were both convicted of wounding with intent, following a trial, and appeared for sentencing at Norwich Crown Court yesterday.

The court heard that a 31-year-old man, who lived in a nearby hostel, was attacked by three men on the pavement near the Lollards Pit pub in Riverside Road, at the bottom of Gas Hill, at about 9.45pm on Friday, April 18.

Prosecuting, Tony Abell said the man suffered a 14cm wound to his face and a 12cm wound to his neck, which was just 1cm from his carotid artery.

He was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for treatment and required plastic surgery.

Hajizada and Ali were arrested and later charged after a police investigation.

A third man, 35-year-old Salah Hadi, also known as Salam Hadi Ali, is still wanted by police in connection with the attack. He has links to Ipswich and the West Midlands. All four men were part of the Kurdish community in Norwich.

Jonathan Seeley, for Hajizada, said he had left his native country aged just 16 and came to this country as a refugee. He said: 'He is a jolly hard worker and is now a naturalised British citizen. He has shown a high level of remorse.'

Lindsay Cox, for Ali, said he had studied at Norwich City College.

Judge Anthony Bate said it was a 'brief but bloody attack', which was also 'pre-planned'.

Afterwards, Detective Sergeant Phil Paddon, investigating officer, from Norwich CID, said: 'This was a savage attack in a public place and the sentencing reflects the seriousness of such a crime.

'By jailing Hajizada and Ali it sends out a strong message to those individuals who are prepared to resort to violence and get involved in such activities.'