Emergency alert issued in parts of Nova Scotia after person assaulted with axe: N.S. RCMP

Nova Scotia RCMP says they are searching for a suspect who assaulted someone with an axe in Pictou County Monday morning.

Police say the assault happened at a home on Greenwood Street in Thorburn, N.S., shortly before 9 a.m. and left one person seriously injured.

The RCMP has identified the suspect as 61-year-old John Douglas Cress and has released a photo of him.

Thorburn residents are advised to shelter in place and an emergency alert has been issued in Pictou, Antigonish and Colchester Counties.

Cress is described as being five-feet-10 inches tall, with grey hair and blue eyes. Police say he also may be wearing a long-sleeve grey sweatshirt and shorts.

Police say Cress fled into woods after the assault and he is believed to be on foot.

This is a developing story, more to come… 

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