A MAN was slashed in the face and neck in front of horrified clubbers at a dance festival held in Sherdley Park on Saturday.

The 32-year-old, who needed 27 stitches, is thought to have been stabbed from behind with a sharp instrument.

He was treated at the scene by St Johns Ambulance before being taken to Aintree Hospital by ambulance at about 10.30pm.

The assault took place in one of two specially erected big tops and will have been witnessed by some of the 3,000 festival goers.

Police were called to the scene but made no arrests and are still seeking the attacker.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Unsworth said: "This was a serious attack and the victim needed 27 stitches to close the wound.

"At this stage of the investigation we believe the victim was approached from behind by the offender and assaulted. The assault occurred inside the central white tent."

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) confirmed they picked the stab victim up shortly after 10.30pm at Marshalls Cross Road and took him to hospital where he was treated and has since been discharged.

The same evening, three festival goers collapsed after taking what is believed to be the illegal drug mephedrone, also known as 'meow meow'. They were taken to Whiston Hospital and have all been discharged. According to NWAS one of the individuals collapsed just before 10pm and a police spokesperson said they believe all three had attended the music festival in Sherdley Park.

The festival, Reminisce, ,was held from 2 to 11pm. Prior to the event, some residents in Marshalls Cross had raised concerns about it encouraging crime and disturbance.

Following the event, the organisers, who are planning to hold another festival next year, released a message saying: "Our team worked incredibly hard to bring a great festival to St Helens and we are all proud of what we achieved.

"We have had no reported arrests, and only three people had to leave the site for minor medical assistance.

"We apologise for the large entry queues that built up at peak time. This was due to everyone who entered the event having to undergo searching and metal detector sweeps.

"Next time, we will have more entry lanes and more security staff to try and get everyone into the event as quickly and as safely as possible."

A spokesperson from St Helens Council said they will hold a de-brief meeting with police to discuss the event.

Witnesses can contact St Helens CID on 0151 709 6804, 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.