Tenerife: British tourist almost dies as throat is slashed outside pub in Playa de las Americas

A British tourist is recovering in hospital after having his throat slashed by a knifeman in Tenerife. The 22-year-old man was said to have lost a significant amount of blood and had been close to bleeding to death when he was found by local police.

The incident, which occurred at around 1am on Wednesday morning (30 March 2016), took place along a seafront strip of clubs and bars in Playa de las Américas, a popular holiday destination for British tourists on the island. The victim was said to be on the terrace of O'Neill's pub in the Las Veronicas shopping complex when he was attacked.

A victim statement given to Tenerife Police claimed he was having a quiet drink with a friend when he was suddenly set upon by an unknown man with a knife. The assailant, who is also reported to be British, ran off and is being hunted by police.

The victim, who has not yet been named, was at first taken to a nearby hospital but had to be transferred to another on the other side of the island due to the severity of his injuries. He received 15 stitches to his neck and remains guarded by police, according to Tenerife local newspaper El Día.

Investigators are reportedly looking into whether the attack is part of a turf war between bar owners in the area or whether it was a case of mistaken identity. A number of nightlife venues in the area are owned by citizens of British origin.