A man remains in critical condition after a stabbing in Toxteth last night.
Merseyside Police were called to Ritson Street at around 10.50pm on Saturday after a report a man in his 20s had been stabbed. The suspect is reported to have left the scene.
Police confirmed emergency services attended and the victim was rushed to hospital where he remains in a critical condition. An investigation has been launched and police officers will remain in the area to carry out forensic and house-to-house enquires.
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A small cordon was in place throughout Sunday morning, from Vandyke Street up to Tagus Street. Motorists were diverted from the area and people told to walk around. Several people were told they could not open their business until the cordon is removed.
Eye witnesses told the ECHO the area is usually "really quiet" and they were shocked to see the police presence throughout the night, one woman has lived there her whole life and said it's a real community. She said: "What's the world coming to? It's scary."
Residents within the cordon wishing to enter or leave were asked to give their details to police as forensic checks were carried out nearby. Police activity was centred around Ritson Street, with a tarpaulin spotted on the junction with Lodge Lane.
Riston Street and a segment of Lodge Lane was closed while crime scene investigations were carried out, and remain closed at the time of writing. Police are asking motorists to avoid the area and find alternative routes while officers deal with this incident, it is not yet known when the cordon will be removed but the ECHO understands it is likely to be there "all day".
High visibility patrols will also be in the area to reassure the local community. Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said: "Enquiries are in the very early stages to establish what has taken place and the victim’s family have been made aware.
"Lodge Lane would have been busy at the time of this incident, and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at around 10.30pm onwards and saw what happened to please contact us. I would also ask people who were in the area to check dashcam or CCTV footage just in case they may have captured something which may be vital to the case."
DCI Fitzgerald added: "Reducing knife crime in Merseyside is a priority all year round. Our officers are committed in removing anyone who stores, carries and uses weapons through proactive use of stop and search powers, open land searches, warrants and education work alongside partners.
"We continue to seek out those involved in knife crime, enticing young and vulnerable people to carry weapons or involved in gangs." Anyone with information is asked to call 101, DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 23000187567.
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