Detectives are appealing for information following the assault of two men in Bootle this afternoon, Saturday 29 June.

At 4.55pm, emergency services were called to Litherland Road to reports of a disturbance. Two men, one in his 30s and one in his 20s, were found with slash wounds, which are not life-threatening. They have been taken to hospital for treatment.

CCTV, witness and forensic enquiries will be continuing and extra patrols will be in the area for reassurance.

Detective Inspector Tara Denn said: “These are the very early stages of our investigation into what initially appears to be a targeted attack, and we want to hear from anyone who saw the incident or has heard any information since. We need to piece together what happened, who was responsible, and remove them and their weapons from the streets.

“We have made significant arrests in the Bootle area last week in connection with some serious violent incidents and suspected drug supply, and I want to reassure those who see police in the area again tonight that we’re there to speak to you, and help make your streets safer.

“Talk to us and we will keep taking positive action to deal with those who bring violence to our communities. Tell us what you know, either directly or anonymously, and we will do the rest.”

Anyone with information can contact @MerPolCC, call 101 with reference 764 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. We will treat all information sensitively and support those who come forward in any way we can.