A 'major incident' has been declared as multiple people were left injured after a knife attack in Merseyside.
Armed police have detained a man and seized a knife after a number of people were injured in a reported stabbing near Liverpool. Eight patients are so far confirmed to have been treated by North West Ambulance Service (NWAS)
Emergency services were called to the 'major incident' at a property on Hart Street, Southport at about 11.50am this morning (29 July) and are attending to the scene.
Merseyside Police said it had received reports of a stabbing. The force continued: “There are a number of reported casualties and more details will be confirmed when possible. Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station.
“Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public.”
The NWAS has dispatched 13 ambulances along with specialised resources of its 'Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), Air Ambulance and Merit Doctors to the scene'.
It said in a statement: "We're attending a major incident on Hart Street, Southport following reports of multiple stabbings in which we have dispatched multiple resources.
"We're assessing the situation and working with emergency partners."
A further update confirmed NWAS has treated eight patients with stab injuries 'who have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby hospital'.
Merseyside's Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell wrote to X: "Like everyone, I am deeply shocked and concerned about the major incident in #Southport this morning.
"An arrest has been made and there is no wider risk to the public. I would urge people to be careful about what they share online and not to speculate about this incident."
A local business owner was one of those who called the police and said the incident was like a 'scene in a horror movie'.
Colin Parry said he believed six or seven 'young girls' were stabbed. He told the PA news agency: "The mothers are coming here now and screaming."
He added: "It's like something from America, not like sunny Southport."
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital said: “We can confirm that the trust has declared a major incident.
“The trust is working with other emergency services to respond to this incident and our emergency department is currently extremely busy.
“We ask parents to only bring their children to the emergency department if it is urgent. All other appointments and services are running as normal.”
Featured Image Credit: X
Jess Battison