Witnesses say a teenage boy ran into a Tesco Express after being stabbed in the hand following a balaclava-clad gang attack.
Merseyside Police were called to Leasowe in Wirral at around 4.40pm on Wednesday, October 11, following reports of an incident on a field near Reeds Lane. It was reported a 17-year-old boy and a 29-year-old man were riding their bikes in the field when they were approached by six youths who attacked them and stole their bikes.
The 29-year-old victim was stabbed in the shoulder and the 17-year-old victim was stabbed in the hand. An air ambulance landed on a field nearby and both men were taken to hospital.
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It was reported that the gang were dressed in black and wore balaclavas. They made off towards Bidston Golf course.
A cordon was put in place around a Tesco Express on the corner of Reeds Lane and Birket Avenue following the incident as police investigated. People living in the area said they felt "dubious" following the incident as it was "too close to home".
One person who lives near the Tesco Express shop and saw some of the incident said: "I was worried over the staff, which is why I came out of the house. The police were all there, but it wasn't until later I found out at least one young lad was stabbed.
"People said there was blood all over the shop, so I was concerned for the staff. But afterwards we got told a young lad ran in and there were two of them with knives.
"As I've said, it's too close to home now – I feel a bit dubious now. I've been here 40 years and that's the worst I have ever seen."
Another resident who lives nearby, but was not home when the incident happened said: "I got a call about an hour or so ago to say there's lots of stuff going on, there's police everywhere, kids everywhere."
Another woman said: "There was shouting and screaming coming from outside and I looked out to see loads of police. I don't know what's going on here recently."
An investigation is underway and CCTV and forensic enquiries are being carried out in the local area.
Chief Inspector Paul Rannard said: “We are in the early stages of the investigation, and we would appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Reeds Lane in Leasowe or saw six youths dressed in black running towards Bidston Golf course to please come forward and speak to us.
“I also urge people in the area to check your CCTV and dashcam footage to see if it has captured any footage, no matter how small, as any information may help with the investigation.”
Chief Inspector Rannard 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 tragic 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 to DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 23000995037.
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