Eyewitnesses say they spotted the man carrying two knives as he emerged from the terraced house on Westfield Road, Horbury, close to the junction of Clifton Road.

Horrified mums ran for safety when they saw the man staggering across the street as they went to pick their children up at Clifton nursery school just after 11am last Friday.

One mum, who did not want to be named, said: “It was terrifying. He lurched towards us with cuts on his face and blood on his clothes.

“We just tried to get as far away from him as quickly we could.

“We did not know if he was trying to get at us or the children.”

She said the man kept running and disappeared before police arrived.

Police officers found the man at 11.19am. He had suffered facial wounds and was given medical treatment.

A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

And a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding.

Both men have been released on bail pending further police inquires.

Anyone with any information should call Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.