A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries and another man has been charged with attempted murder after a machete attack near the Eaton Centre early Wednesday evening.

Police were called to Bay and Dundas Sts. just after 4:30 p.m. and arrested a 35-year-old man and confiscated a machete and a large hunting knife, said 52 Division Staff Sgt. Winston Bennett. The assault appears to be unprovoked.

Police say the victim was cut on his head and leg, but is expected to make a full recovery.

Security footage viewed by the Star shows a security guard tackling the suspect from behind. Armed with only handcuffs, the guard grabbed the suspect’s arm before tossing him on the ground. He and another guard restrained and handcuffed the suspect.

Mike Soberal, who is in charge of the Atrium’s security, said he was pleased with the way his security team handled the situation.

“It was executed perfectly,” he said. “Textbook.”

Sgt. Dale Corra praised the collaboration of citizens and security guards who stayed on scene to talk to police. He said they helped halt what could have been a more serious assault.

“Citizens can be rest assured it was safe and secure in this area almost immediately after this incident,” he said. “Things came out very well today.”

A witness, Terence Yip, tweeted that the black suspect was yelling “F--- white people” before allegedly attacking the victim, who is white. Yip, a CBC employee, told the Star he could not comment when reached by phone.

The security footage shows the suspect slashing at the victim four or five times with a foot-long machete.

The victim was able to stand and run away after the initial assault, but the suspect pursued him into the Atrium building. It is not clear if they made contact again.

The footage shows the suspect reappearing by the doors. He was taken down soon after stepping back outside.

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Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and the Criminal Investigation Bureau has video to review. Police could not confirm whether the incident was racially motivated. Corra said mental health issues could be a factor.

With files from Sarah-Joyce Battersby

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