An engaged couple ended up in the hospital after being hacked with a hatchet by a friend of theirs at whose house they were having dinner. The incident occurred last night in the center of Niviano, a small town in the Trebbia Valley in the province of Piacenza. The evening, which began quietly, then suddenly degenerated into an argument and then an assault. The motivations were reportedly personal between the two couples. A sudden and violent quarrel broke out in the house and then degenerated into the street, where large patches of blood were left on the pavement. The one who was hit was the landlord, who was hit several times by the blade of a cutting weapon - a hatchet or billhook - and was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Less serious were the injuries sustained by the companion who tried to defend him. Some residents of the street, alarmed by the screams, raised the alarm. The attacker fled with his girlfriend and tried to lose his trail. He was identified by Carabinieri who are now looking for him. He faces charges of attempted murder.