'Avoid the area' - Police close off Bootle Strand after man attacked with 'bladed weapon'

Merseyside Police closed off large parts of the Bootle Strand shopping centre on Stanley Road, with a number of shops and restaurants inside the cordon.

The force said a man had been assaulted at around 5.45pm and suffered cuts to his head and face from a "bladed weapon". The attack is believed to have happened near the bingo hall.

In a statement on Thursday night, Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that emergency services are in Bootle following an assault tonight, Thursday 22 January.

"At around 5.45pm, officers were called to Stanley Road to reports of a man being assaulted, and sustaining lacerations to his head and face, caused by a bladed weapon. The victim has been taken to hospital for assessment and enquiries are ongoing to trace the offenders.

“House-to-house, forensic and CCTV work is taking place tonight in the area and we would ask anyone with information to come forward.”

Detective Inspector Sara Lang added: “These are the early stages of our investigation and it is paramount that we speak to anyone who saw or has since heard anything about this assault as we look to establish the circumstances and find those responsible.

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“A large cordon will be in place close to the bingo hall on Stanley Road, where we believe that the assault happened. Avoid the area where possible while we carry out this work.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on X or Facebook, or 101, with reference 720. You can also come forward anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Liverpool World has contacted Merseyside Police for an update.