THE multiple stabbing that happened in St Helens on Sunday (April 23) is not thought to be a gang-related or targeted attack, according to Merseyside Police.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Sephton, who is leading the investigation, said he believes the incident involved "four males who clashed in Bold Street", resulting in three of them having sustained "significant – and in one case – life-threatening injuries".

Today it was confirmed an 18-year-old man, who has been in hospital with injuries sustained in relation to a series of stabbings on Sunday night, has today (Tuesday) been discharged from hospital.

The man was one of three who were injured in the incident, which started at the rear of The Phoenix pub, off Canal Street, just before 5.30pm on Sunday.

A 20-year-old man from St Helens, who was also injured, remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition, while a 21-year-old man is also in hospital in a stable condition.

On Monday police revealed an 18-year-old man from Liverpool had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and a 21-year-old man from Huyton was being questioned on suspicion of assault.

A 17-year-old boy from Rainhill – who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with a series of stabbings in St Helens – has been bailed by police.

DCI Sephton said: "Up to now the picture says this is not gang-related. At this moment in time, we're not sure what has caused this incident. We don't think it was targeted.

"We think it has manifested itself throughout Sunday.

"The individuals involved know each other. We're not sure of the motive."

He said there is not thought to be any link between this incident and any other knife crime incidents in town.

Speaking about knife crime more generally, DCI Sephton said: "I don't think it's a trend to take a knife out. It is a fact that extreme violence does happen.

"I don't think by any means that it's any kind of epidemic in St Helens, it's nothing beyond what we're seeing nationally.

"Here is another example of a tragic case, where there's the potential that someone may lose their life – that is what can happen when people carry knives."

He added: "It's a concern when anyone gets slashed or stabbed with any type of blade; it's a criminal offence for anybody to carry a knife."

He said CCTV footage was still being investigated and extra officers were being drafted in from the Merseyside force to help crack down on knife crime.

He said the focus would be on all areas, including the town centre's "night-time economy".

He added: "We are stepping up policing presence. We will be acting on intelligence and stop-check anyone acting furtively.

"Alongside the local authority, we will be looking to raise awareness of knife crime right across the area. In conjunction with our partners, we will be putting a 'keep safe' message out there – including in schools.

"This incident involved four young men only two or three years out of school. We will be targeting schools and explaining the perils of carrying weapons."

Merseyside's Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: "The use of knives in violent incidents is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by Merseyside Police.

"The Force are carrying out extensive investigations in relation to the recent incidents in St Helens in which knives were used. Those found to be responsible will be brought to justice.

"Merseyside Police will also be carrying out a number of initiatives aimed at educating young people about the potentially devastating consequences of carrying knives and working with partners to reduce the availability of knives."

Several road closures across the town centre were in place until this morning, Tuesday, April 25.

Anyone with information can call police on 0151 777 6041 or Crimestoppers anonymously and for free on 0800 555 111.