A teenager and a 26-year-old man in hospital after being slashed by masked gang on bike armed with weapons

Police are appealing for information after a stabbing in Netherton on Thursday evening, 11 September.

Just after 6.15pm, officers received a report that two males – a 17-year-old boy and a 26-year-old man – had self-presented at hospital with slash wounds to their hands. It was further reported that the assault had taken place on Park Lane, where they were attacked by several males armed with weapons. The offenders, who were wearing balaclavas and riding Sur-Ron electric motorbikes, made off in the direction of the Park Hotel and the Aintree area.

An investigation is now underway, with CCTV and forensic enquiries being carried out in the local area.

Detective Inspector Keith Swift said: “We are in the early stages of the investigation to establish the circumstances of what has taken place. I would appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Park Lane shops and had seen or heard anything to come forward and speak to us. I also urge people in the area to check your CCTV and dashcam footage to see if it has captured any footage, no matter how small, as any information may help with the investigation.”

He added: “Reducing knife crime is a priority all year round in Merseyside. We are committed to proactively use stop and search powers, carry out open land searches, warrants and education work alongside partners to remove weapons from the streets.

“While we are making positive progress, we understand the devastating consequences of carrying a knife and are relentless in our approach to targeting and pursuing criminals.

“The use of knives and any weapons is reckless and will not be tolerated, and can have tragic consequences, not only for the victim and their family but also for the offenders involved.

“I would urge people to educate themselves and speak to their children and family members about the dangers of knife crime. There is no place for knives in our communities. I would urge anyone with information to get in touch so we can act on community intelligence or call Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Anyone with information on the incident should contact the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook, quoting log 768 of 11 September. You can also report information via the Merseyside Police website or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.