Urgent witness appeal following domestic assault in Bootle

We are urgently appealing for witnesses following a domestic assault in Bootle yesterday, Tuesday 15 October.

At around 11.50am, officers were called to Stanley Road to reports that a woman had been assaulted in a VW Tiguan near to North Park.

The victim sustained serious injuries including a fractured eye socket, and is being supported by officers. A short time later, a 40-year-old man from Bootle was arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding and criminal damage to the vehicle. He remains in custody for questioning by detectives.

Detective Sergeant Nicola Boyd said: “This was an appalling attack which left the victim seriously injured and we are appealing as a matter of urgency to find anyone who saw what happened.

“We were called a short time after the incident, which we think took place at around 11.45 yesterday morning. We believe that people walking by witnessed the incident, and it is vital that we speak to those people, as well as anyone who lives locally or was passing by on foot or in vehicles. Your CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage could prove vital in this investigation, so let us know via @MerPolCC with reference 24000879051.

“There is plenty of help available to anyone who may be suffering domestic abuse of any kind and together with partner agencies, we will do all that we can to support you, if you can find the courage to come forward.

“Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and we have specially trained officers who will listen to you and support you with sensitivity and compassion. Everything you tell us is taken extremely seriously and will be investigated thoroughly.

“If you want to report domestic abuse, contact Merseyside Police on 101 where specially trained officers will be there to listen. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the confidential 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. This helpline is free and run in partnership by Refuge and Women's Aid. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.”

For more information on what we're doing to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls please visit www.merseyside.police.uk/vawg

Further information on the local and national support available can be found here:  Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Merseyside Police