Horror as man, 34, stabbed in subway
AMAN was taken to hospital after being stabbed in a shocking attack near a primary school.
It was the third knife attack in Skelmersdale in the past month.
The 34-year-old was wounded just before 11pm on Saturday (July 14), in the Birch Green Road underpass near Woodland Primary School.
North West Ambulance Service attended the scene and the victim was taken to Aintree University Hospital.
The latest attack comes after a man was stabbed in the back and both arms while walking on a footbridge near the Concourse Shopping Centre a fortnight ago.
The victim was approached from behind by several men in broad daylight on June 28, and he also had to be taken to Aintree Hospital for treatment for “serious injuries.”
And on June 14, a 25-year-old man was rushed to hospital after being stabbed in the torso and ear on Beechtrees.
Officers investigating that incident believed it to be a group attack, and appealed to the public for information regarding what they described as a “serious assault”.
Lancashire police are now appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have seen any suspicious people in the area at the time of the latest attack.
The investigation team is also keen to hear from anyone in the area who has CCTV.
Although officers said the latest attack was an isolated incident, they urged local residents to remain vigilant.
A spokesperson for Lancashire police said: “Police would also like to offer reassurance as this appears to be an isolated incident.
“However, local residents are urged to remain vigilant at this time and report any suspicious activity to the police.
“Residents may also see an increased police presence in the area.”
Local people have told of their shock at the stabbing.
Writing on the Skelmersdale police Facebook page, one resident said: “I live two minutes away from the subby and around 9.30pm-10.30pm I could hear two blokes arguing for ages near a house, someone had mentioned he came out with a knife, one of the fellas had been vandalising the other fella’s car.”
Another said: “Literally on my doorstep! That subway is 10 seconds away!! What world are we bringing our children into. Horrific.”
Another wrote: “This is a little too close to home I don’t feel safe to leave my house anymore because of these stabbings something seriously needs doing about it!!”
And another wrote: “Just a few yards away from my house always telling my grandchildren be careful going through that underpass not much light in it of a night not even a lamp light by my home.”
One person wrote: “There has been three stabbings it’s not isolated don’t feel safe in Skelmersdale because it seems to be just random individuals that are getting stabbed.”
Another added: “I hate those subways/ underpasses. I tell everyone not to walk alone going through. They are scary.”
Any information to be directed to Det Con Karen Harrison at Skelmersdale Police Station on 01695 566181, quoting log reference LC-20180714-1928.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting the same log reference.