Male arrested after assaults in Garston

Officers have arrested a male after reports two teenagers were assaulted in Garston this afternoon (Friday 15 December).

We were called to a report of fighting on Speke Road, Garston just before 3.15pm, where two male victims in their teens sustained lacerations to their backs and have been taken to hospital for treatment. Their conditions are described as stable.

Officers attended and a male was detained near the scene.

A 16-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault, suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, and affray.

He has been taken into custody to be interviewed.

Detective Inspector Daniel McWhinnie said: “Our enquiries into this incident are at an early stage, but we believe the victims were targeted by at least two members of a group of youths.

“Thankfully, both victims are expected to make full recoveries but anyone who uses a knife risks causing both their victim and themselves very serious harm.

“Statistics show that you are much more likely to be a victim of knife crime if you carry such a weapon, and you will bring your loved ones further pain when you are brought to justice and put behind bars.

“We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to educate young people on these dangers, and to stop and search those we suspect are in possession of weapons which can cause fear and harm. All year round we carry out targeted warrants and land searches where intelligence suggests knives are being stored.”
 
Last month, Merseyside Police took part in the national knife crime campaign Operation Sceptre, including visits to local schools and a knife surrender that gave members of the public the chance to dispose of knives or weapons safely. In the last 12 months, Merseyside has seen a 15% reduction in knife crime and a 13% reduction in serious violence offences.

Det Insp McWhinnie added: “Reducing knife crime in Merseyside is a priority for the force all year round, and incidents such as this only serve to demonstrate how vital it is that our work continues so that people of all ages can be protected.

“We understand the devastating impact it can have on individuals, families, and wider communities and our work to educate people of all ages of the dangers they pose continues.

“Both serious violence and knife crime are falling in Merseyside, but we know there is still work to do to tackle knife crime and make communities safer.”

If you have information about this incident,  DM our social media desk via X (formerly Twitter) @MerPolCC quoting reference 23001275108. You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org