Detectives appeal for information following serious assault in St Helens

Detectives are appealing for information following a serious assault in St Helens last night, Thursday 8 September.

At around 10.20pm, officers were called to Robins Lane to reports of a teenage boy being assaulted following an altercation between two groups of youths.

The victim, aged 16, sustained a serious facial laceration and was treated at the scene, and taken to hospital where his condition is described as stable.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances, and witness and CCTV enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Inspector Barbara Hebden said: "This was a horrendous incident and the victim is being treated in hospital, with a significant injury. If these injuries had been a couple of inches lower, the result could have been so much more catastrophic. Enquiries are ongoing to trace those involved as a matter of urgency.

"Such fine margins highlight why carrying a knife, for protection, to commit offences, for whatever reason, is so incredibly reckless, and we work so hard in our communities to educate young people about the consequences. Anyone who does so runs the real risk of starting a devastating chain of events, for victims, families, perpetrators, and indeed for whole communities.

"If you witnessed this incident, or know where weapons are being carried or stored, come forward immediately. We regularly carry out warrants, land searches and stop checks in areas of risk and harm, and the more we know, the greater the chance of preventing further incidents and removing from the streets weapons and those who carry them. Don't hold onto information which could potentially save a life or remove a knife."

You can contact us @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with reference 22000673077.