A man has been hospitalised after an alleged axe attack in Bootle.
Police were called to Stanley Road at around 5.45pm on Thursday (January 22) after reports the victim in his 40s had been assaulted with a bladed weapon.
He suffered lacerations to his head and face during the incident and was taken to hospital, where his condition is currently described as stable.
Officers cordoned off a large area in the area including the entrance to the New Strand Shopping Centre and a number of shops and restaurants.
House-to-house, forensic and CCTV enquiries are also ongoing in attempts to trace the offenders, who police believe may have been by people known to the victim.
Detective Inspector Sara Lang said: “This would have been a shocking incident to witness, and we are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened, or who has since heard any information about those responsible.
“We initially think that this was a targeted attack by people known to the victim but we are keeping an open mind as to the motive.
“Knife crime devastates communities, so if you know anything, come forward now through the official channels, and as always we will look to take positive action to find these offenders and remove them from the streets.
“Additionally, if you know of anyone who is in possession of weapons, speak to us before harm is caused to them and others.”
Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X and Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via their website or call 101 quoting incident reference 26000060473.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here. In an emergency always call 999.