Detectives appeal for information following assault in Southport

Detectives are appealing for information following an assault in Southport last night, Wednesday 13 October.
 
At around 7.20pm, a report was received of a 14-year-old boy having been chased into BP Service Station on Preston New Road and assaulted by a group of males. 
 
The victim sustained minor injuries from an unknown weapon, and was later taken to hospital for treatment. The suspects made off. A member of staff also sustained a superficial injury during the incident.
 
CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing.
 
Detective Chief Inspector Gayle Rooney said: “This would have been a shocking incident to both witness and experience, and we’re looking to speak to both victims fully and establish the circumstances of what initially appears to have been a targeted attack.
 
“At this stage we can’t confirm the weapon used, but carrying any bladed article can have catastrophic consequences and it is thankful that only minor injuries resulted. This incident was reported later on, so I’d also urge anyone who witnesses a crime in progress to call 999 immediately.
 
“If you saw this incident or captured a group of males making off, whether via CCTV, dashcam or other footage, come forward and we will do all we can to find those responsible and put them before the courts.”
 
Anyone with information is asked to contact the social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, or call 101 with reference 872 of 13 October. 
 
You can also call the independent charity @CrimestoppersUK anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or use their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.