Man stabbed in the back in ‘targeted attack’

A MAN was airlifted to hospital after being stabbed in the back in Southport town centre.

A woman in her 20s was arrested after the stabbing, which happened at an address in Scarisbrick Street.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 6pm last Thursday with police, an ambulance and a rapid response vehicle all attending.

An air ambulance was also sent, landing on the car park outside the Southport Centre for Health & Wellbeing in Hoghton Street.

The victim, also in his 20s, was airlifted to hospital with a stab wound to the back which police said required minor treatment.

The woman, who is from Southport, was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and taken to a police station for questioning, while the man has so far refused to help detectives investigating the incident.

Det Ch Insp Gayle Rooney said: “These are the early stages of our investigation and this appears to be a targeted attack.

“However, I want to appeal to anyone in the area who saw or heard anything at this time, or who has heard any information since, so we can establish exactly what happened, as the victim is offering no support to the investigation.

“Thankfully, he only sustained a minor injury but – as with all knife crime – this is down to good luck and the consequences of any such incident can be catastrophic.

“Come forward with what you know and we will continue to take positive action against those we suspect are storing and using dangerous weapons in our communities.”

Anyone with information can contact the social media desk via @MerPolCC with reference 19100470955 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.