Two further males arrested in connection with assault in Liverpool city centre

Today (Friday 10 April) two further males have been arrested in connection with an incident involving a machete in Liverpool city centre earlier this week.

At around 7.15pm on Monday 6 April we received a report that a 17-year-old male had been attacked by a group of youths on the steps of Chavasse Park.

The victim, a 17-year-old male, received hospital treatment for a slash wound to his arm and swelling to his head from the assault. He has since been discharged.

This afternoon officers arrested two males at an address in Bootle and a machete was recovered.

A 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, Section 18 assault and affray. While an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray and assisting an offender. Both suspects are in police custody to be questioned.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Ball said: “We believe this incident was a targeted attack, which understandably has shocked the community and those who witnessed it.

“We have now arrested three males in connection with this incident and our enquiries continue. We are aware of a video circulating on social media, and we ask people not to share the video while the investigation is ongoing and so the legal process isn’t prejudiced.

“We urge anyone who witnessed the incident or captured the incident on their mobile phone to please get in touch.”

Detective Chief Inspector Ball added: “Reducing knife crime is a priority all year round in Merseyside. We are committed to proactively use stop and search powers, carry out open land searches, warrants and education work alongside partners to remove weapons from the streets.

“While we are making positive progress, we understand the devastating consequences of carrying a knife and are relentless in our approach to targeting and pursuing criminals.

“The use of knives and any weapons is reckless and will not be tolerated, and can have devastating consequences, not only for the victim and their family but also for the offenders involved.

“I would urge people to educate themselves and speak to their children and family members about the dangers of knife crime.

“There is no place for knives in our communities. I would urge anyone with information to get in touch so we can act on community intelligence or call Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Anyone with information is asked contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre with reference 26000271101.

You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously. In an emergency always call 999.