Appeal after assault in Birkenhead

We are appealing for information after a man was assaulted in Birkenhead in the early hours of today (Saturday 27 January).

Emergency services were called to Conway Street just before 5.30am to a report a man in his 20s had sustained a laceration to his neck.

It was further reported the man had been assaulted during an altercation outside the Beach Cool Rooms.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment where his condition is described as stable.

An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances and a forensic examination of the scene has been completed.

Officers have conducted house to house enquiries and CCTV opportunities in the area are being explored.

Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said: “This was a nasty assault and appears to have been a completely unnecessary escalation of a dispute outside a bar.

“We simply will not tolerate anyone who is prepared to carry and use knives on the streets of Merseyside, and our efforts to identify and locate the suspect are progressing well.

“Thankfully the victim is recovering well, but anyone who takes a knife to someone’s neck risks absolutely catastrophic consequences.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or any suspicious behaviour in the area at the time.”

Det Insp Mulcahy added: “Our efforts to rid the streets of knives and the people reckless enough to carry them go on all year round. 

“Our officers conduct warrants, stop checks, land searches and other proactive activity across Merseyside to help remove knives from circulation and bring to justice those offenders prepared to store, carry and use them.

“Only this week, the Office of National Statistics published figures showing this work has helped reduce knife crime by 18.6% compared to the previous 12 months, and possession of weapons offences fell by 6.3%. But incidents like this show why complacency is not an option, and our work must continue.

“The public can help, and I want to appeal to anyone with information about knife crime in Merseyside, or this incident in particular, to please get in touch. You can contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref 24000122010  or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111."