Three men were stabbed after confronting a gang of youths in Broadgreen.
Police received reports at around 9.15pm on Tuesday that the keys to a van parked in Westfield Avenue had been stolen by an unknown offender.
The men went in search of the the offender before becoming involved in an altercation with four youths, who later made off in the direction of Hillary Avenue.
All three were taken to hospital with a 20-year-old treated for a stab wound to his chest. His condition is described as serious but stable.
Two other men are being treated for slash wounds to their face and hand, which are considered to be non-life threatening.
A cordon has been put in place and CCTV, forensic and house to house enquiries are ongoing in the area to establish the full circumstances.
The gang is described as white males in their late teens/early 20’s, of slim build, all wearing caps or hoods with three wearing shorts and one in a blue jacket.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information is urged to contact Merseyside Police by calling 101 or on social media @MerPolCC and @CrimestoppersUK.