Appeal for information after two boys assaulted at Keel Wharf, Liverpool

We are appealing for information after two 15-year-old boys received stab wounds in Liverpool city centre last night (Friday,24 July).

At about 9.15pm officers were called to reports of about 80-100 youths fighting at Keel Wharf on the waterfront.

When they arrived they found the two teenagers who had each received a stab wound to the buttocks. Both boys were taken to Alder Hey Children’s hospital where they were treated and they have now been discharged.

To prevent further incidents we have increased resources and uniform and plain clothed officers, will be supported by officers from the dog unit. A dispersal zone is also in place to ensure that law abiding members of the public can enjoy everything the Liverpool waterfront has to offer.

The order was put in place yesterday at 1pm and will run to 7am on Sunday (25 July), and will include the area bounded by the River Mersey, St Nicholas Place, Georges Dock Gates, The Strand, Wapping, Chaloner Street, Sefton Street and Brunswick Way (see image).

Police officers and police community support traffic officers powers have the power to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.

Under the legislation, officers can seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour. Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.

Chief Inspector Matt Moscrop, said: “We are carrying out extensive enquiries into this incident and viewing CCTV footage to identify the offender. We are keen to speak to anyone who was at Keel Wharf who witnessed the incident, or who has any information to help us identify the offender.

“This was an appalling incident and two young boys have received hospital treatment for their injuries.

“The use of weapons is reckless and intolerable, and can have devastating consequences, not only for the victim and their family but also the offender.
“The waterfront should be a safe space for everyone to visit and make the most of the lovely weather we’ve had this week, not a place for the violence and anti-social behaviour we have seen in recent days.

“We will not tolerate this type of behaviour and will continue to work with our partners to take all necessary action.

“We have increased the number of officers, both uniform and plain clothes, and they will supported by officers from the dog unit. Throughout the day there will be regular street briefings for the officers. This support the dispersal zone on the waterfront and surrounding area to prevent further incidents. These dispersal zones are certainly not designed to prevent young people, or anyone else, from meeting at the docks to enjoy what is a world-renowned space with fantastic architecture and facilities. It is not about stopping young people from meeting with their friends after such a challenging time during lockdown, the majority of whom have behaved perfectly reasonably.

“It is simply about making sure the minority who come intent on behaving anti-socially can be moved out of the area, to enable people of all ages to feel safer and enjoy everything the waterfront has to offer”

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 with reference 1216 of 23 July.