Police appeal over Liverpool 'stabbing'

Merseyside Police are urging people to come forward following social media footage of a suspected stabbing in Liverpool City Centre.

The incident, which police believe took place in Williamson Square, has not yet been reported to police.

The footage was widely shared on social media over the weekend. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances, including when the incident occurred and we are urging anyone with any information to come forward to help us identify those responsible.

High visibility patrols were stepped up in Liverpool City Centre over the weekend to help prevent any further incidents and ensure people can enjoy the city centre safely.

Chief Inspector Gary O’Rourke said: “If you saw this shocking incident - if it was you filming the video, you are the victim or you witnessed anything then please tell us. Whether you come forward directly or anonymously, your information could be vital to help bring those responsible to justice.

“Knife crime has no place whatsoever in our communities and we rely on members of the public coming forward with information about such incidents to keep our streets safer.

“We are increasing patrols around the city centre today to make sure that everyone can enjoy themselves safely while out and about.

“As a force we have seen a decrease in reports of knife crime over the past two years. However, over this last week we have seen some unacceptable and criminal acts of violence in the City Centre including two appalling hate crimes. We will continue to work tirelessly with the public and our partners to prevent violence and remove the scourge of knife crime from our streets.

“Reducing knife crime is one of our force priorities and our message to those who might think about carrying a knife is clear: It is just not worth the risk. Every day we are out on patrols, conducting stop searches, executing warrants, putting every effort into arresting offenders and putting them before the courts.

“We regularly search land and homes where we believe knives have been stored and if you involve yourself in knife crime, it is only a matter of time before you end up hurt or arrested.

“We are also working closely with our communities, schools and safeguarding partners to tackle knife crime by taking a more preventative approach, working to educate, divert and influence young people away from knives and other violent crimes. During Operation Sceptre, a dedicated week of action to tackle knife crime, police officers proactively engaged with young people to warn them about the dangers of carrying a knife and what this sort of criminal activity can lead to.

“We will never stand by and allow people to carry knives and threaten the safety of themselves and others. With the public’s help, we can make Merseyside a safer place and I appeal to anyone who has any information in relation to this incident, or knife crime in Merseyside to contact police.”

Anyone with any information about knife crime in Merseyside, or who has any information on the incident in Williamson Square and other violent incidents being investigated in the City this week are asked to contact us via our social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 414 of 13/06.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111