Man arrested after assaults in Anfield

A man has been arrested after it was reported a number of people were assaulted in Anfield today (Thursday 11 August).
 
We were called at 5.35pm to Arkles Lane to a report of a man walking towards the junction with Priory Road and onto Ince Avenue, shouting at people and carrying what was described as a machete.
 
It was reported he assaulted a number of people, causing some slash wounds, and the victims have attended hospital where they are receiving treatment. None of the victims are believed to have sustained life-threatening injuries.
 
The suspect was detained a short time later in Stanley Park.
 
A man from Anfield has been arrested and taken into custody to be questioned.
 
A number of cordons have been established in the area and Crime Scene Investigators are carrying out forensic examinations. Officers are making house-to-house enquiries and CCTV in the area is being examined.

While the investigation is at a very early stage, this incident is not believed to be terror-related and the suspect is thought to have mental health issues.
 
Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cummings said: “This incident will have been frightening for those assaulted as well as those who witnessed it, and we will provide them with our full support.
 
“I understand that the circumstances will be frightening too for the wider community in Anfield.
 
“Thankfully, specialist officers attended swiftly, arrested a suspect and brought an end to the incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
 
“While we do not believe anyone else was responsible, extra officers will be deployed on high visibility patrols in the Anfield area in the coming days to reassure the community.”
 
Det Chief Insp Cummings added: “Incidents such as this illustrate all too clearly the dangers knives and bladed weapons can pose.
 
“That is why we carry out operations all year round to take them off our streets, with warrants, land searches and stop checks enabling us to seize such weapons and take them out of the hands of criminals.
 
“No-one should fall victim to knife crime, and we welcome any information from the public on where they are being stored and who is carrying them so that we can protect the communities of Merseyside.
 
“I would urge anyone thinking about carrying a knife to think again, and spare yourself and others the risk of serious injury, and save yourself time in police custody.”
 
“I would urge anyone who witnessed any part of this incident, or has camera phone, CCTV or dashcam footage, to contact police.”
 
If you can help, DM @MerPolCC, or message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook quoting reference 22000587067. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.