Man in critical condition after New Year stabbing

A New Year’s Day stabbing in Liverpool city centre has left a man fighting for his life.

The 21-year-old victim suffered serious injuries to his chest and thigh in the incident at St Peter’s Square which saw police called at 2.45am.

He received first aid at the scene from the attending officers before he was treated by paramedics and taken to University Hospital Aintree.

Police have revealed that the man still remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Officers believe the incident involved two groups of men having an altercation outside a bar in Seel Street before one group chased the other towards St Peter’s Square.

The victim is believed to have then been assaulted outside a bar in Fleet Street.

Door staff nearby detained a 24-year-old man from Garston, who was subsequently arrested on suspicion of wounding and will be questioned.

Extensive enquiries are being carried out by detectives including a review of all CCTV from the area and officers are speaking to witnesses who were in the area.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Kameen said: “We are in the very early stages of this investigation and our priority is to establish the full circumstances of what happened and identify all those responsible for this cowardly attack.

“We believe there has been a coming together of two groups and something has happened to spark a fight.

“During that time individuals from one group have chased others and the victim has been stabbed a short distance away.

“He is in a critical condition in hospital and is currently undergoing surgery.

“Officers last night arrested a man in connection with this assault and a knife has been recovered as part of our investigation.

“We are determined to explore all lines of enquiry to ensure that all those involved and responsible are brought to justice.

“We will not tolerate violence of this kind on the streets of Merseyside.

“Thousands of people were in Liverpool last night to enjoy New Year’s Eve and the vast majority did so peacefully and just went out to have fun.

“I would urge anyone who saw or knows what happened to come forward and help us bring the person or people responsible to justice.”

Anyone who may have information about this incident is urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Merseyside Police on 0151 777 4065.