Bootle Strand Liverpool: Police swarm UK shopping centre after man 'hit on the head with an axe'

Merseyside Police closed off large parts of the Bootle Strand shopping centre on Stanley Road in Liverpool and a number of shops and restaurants are inside the cordon. The Mirror reports that witnesses said there was "blood everywhere" after a man was "hit on the head with an axe".

Forensic officers were seen taking pictures of the bench and the blood on the floor by a Burger King, where the investigation appears to be centred. They have also removed a bag and coat from the bench.

A man who was working in a shop nearby told the Liverpool Echo: "I was working and the fella came in and there was blood everywhere, he looked like he'd been hit in the side of his face with an axe. The police believe it has happened further down Stanley Road. The victim then walked down to the Strand because they always sit on that bench near Burger King and that's where the ambulance came to."

Merseyside Police said a man had been attacked and suffered cuts to his head and face from a "bladed weapon". A statement read: "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 said: “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.

“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.