Two people have been arrested after a stabbing outside the Adelphi Hotel.
Police were called to the hotel on Ranelagh Place at around 2.40am on Friday following reports that a man had been approached by a group of four people.
Following an altercation with the group, understood to comprise of two men and two women, it was said that the man was stabbed in the stomach.
The suspects were then reported to have fled the scene. Emergency services later took the man to hospital, where he is being treated for serious injuries.
Police subsequently arrested a 24-year-old man and 28-year-old woman at an aparthotel in Fairclough Street, both on suspicion of Section 18 Assault.
They have been taken into custody for questioning.
Extensive CCTV, witness and forensic enquiries are ongoing to locate another man and woman who were reported to have left the scene.
Officers remain on Ranelagh Place while further enquiries are carried out and anyone with any information is asked to contact police.
Chief Inspector Rob Ross said: “We are in the extremely early stages of an investigation into a stabbing which has left a man seriously injured.
“While we have made two arrests, our enquiries continue to locate a further man and woman who we believe are also linked to the incident.
“If you were in the area near the Adelphi Hotel this morning and witnessed the incident, or saw anything or anyone suspicious then please get in touch. Any information you hold could be vital to our investigation.
“Please tell us what you know and we will take action to remove dangerous weapons and those who use them from our streets.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact us via Merseyside Police’s social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 22000014459.
You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form.