Detectives have issued an urgent appeal to trace a man wanted in connection with a serious assault in Salford that left a victim with life-threatening injuries.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police are searching for Max Capps, born 17 September 1994, who has no fixed address. He is wanted in connection with an attack that took place shortly after midnight on Tuesday 5 December 2023 in the Weaste area.

Police say the victim was approached from behind and struck twice to the head with a weapon, causing him to fall to the ground. He was then slashed with a knife.

The man suffered a bleed on the brain, a fractured skull and two facial wounds, requiring urgent medical treatment. He is still recovering from the impact of the attack.

Despite extensive enquiries carried out over more than two years, officers have so far been unable to locate Capps, who is now believed to be abroad.

Detective Constable Ruth Canning, of Salford CID, described the incident as a “brutal attack” and renewed calls for information from the public.

“This was a brutal attack which left the victim requiring urgent medical treatment and has a sustained effect on his life,” she said.

“We have been pursuing every line of enquiry since the incident and despite these efforts, the victim has not been able to get justice.

“We believe someone may have information about where he is now or may have been in contact with him since December 2023. I would urge anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward.”

Anyone with information about Capps’ whereabouts, or who has had contact with him since December 2023, is asked to call police on 101 quoting crime reference number CRI/06FF/0035887/23.

Information can also be passed anonymously via the Crimestoppers helpline on 0800 555 111 or through their website.

Police say enquiries remain ongoing.