Two homeless men have been jailed after one stabbed a man in the side of the head during a fight, causing life-changing injuries.

On August 7, 2020, Enes Ulas and Daniel James went to Potters Close in Mitcham.

Ulas was dressed in a hooded jacket and holding what police believe to have been a firearm.

The pair approached a group in the area before a fight broke out, with James threatening a man with a large knife during the altercation.

Ulas pointed what was believed to have been a gun at another man before chasing him and stabbing him in the right side of his head.

The pair then fled the scene.

The 24-year-old victim was rushed to St Georges Hospital by his friends where he spent a long time recovering from the stabbing.

It is reported that his injuries are life-changing.

The suspects were identified by CCTV, with officers matching the item of clothing to the pair which led to them being subsequently arrested and charged.

Ulas, 23, was found guilty of wounding with intent, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon on April 21.

Enes Ulas, of no fixed abod, was sentenced to ten years in prison at Kingston Crown Court on Friday.

James, 24, had admitted to conducting violent disorder and threatening a person with an offensive weapon on June 7 last year.

Daniel James, also of no fixed abode, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on June 30.

Detective Constable Emily Dawson, investigating officer, said: "This was a violent assault on a young man that was committed in broad daylight in a residential area and in the presence of young children. It caused shock in the local community.

“I would like to thank them for their support and patience with the police investigation. I hope the convictions bring some closure to the victim and wish him well in his ongoing recovery from his injuries.

“Acts of violence such as this will not be tolerated. The Metropolitan Police remains committed to tackling violent crime and putting violent offenders behind bars."

A spokesperson for Merton Police said: “Two men have been jailed for their role in a serious assault on a man in Mitcham.

“Enes Ulas, 23 (27.08.98) of no fixed abode, was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment at Kingston Crown Court on 29 July.

“At an earlier hearing, Daniel James, 24 (17.02.98) of no fixed abode, was sentenced to two and a half years’ imprisonment at Kingston Crown Court on 30 June.

“Ulas was found guilty of wounding with intent, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon following the conclusion of a trial at the same court on 21 April.

“James had pleaded guilty to violent disorder and threatening a person with an offensive weapon on 7 June 2021.

“Police launched an investigation following the incident on 7 August 2020.

“Ulas and James travelled together to Potter Close, Mitcham.

“Ulas was dressed in a hooded jacket and held what appeared to be a firearm in his gloved hands.

“They approached a group on Potter Close and a violent altercation began shortly afterwards.

“James drew a large knife which he used to threaten a man during the altercation.

“Ulas pointed the object, thought to be a firearm, at a 24-year-old man before chasing him and using a knife to stab him in the right side of his head.

“Both men subsequently fled the scene.

“The victim was taken to St Georges Hospital by his friends where he was treated for his injury. He remained there for a significant period of time and his injuries will have a lasting impact on his life.

“Ulas and James were identified as a result of CCTV work which enabled detectives to match items of clothing that were subsequently recovered.

“Both men were subsequently arrested and charged.”