A TEENAGER has been taken to hospital with stab wounds this afternoon, Monday.

Police were called to Longton Lane in Rainhill at around 2.20pm where a 17-year-old boy was found with "superficial" stab wounds.

He was taken to hospital and his condition is described as stable.

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of committing a section 18 assault.

Officers remain at the scene to carry out enquiries and are urging witnesses to come forward.

Detective Inspector Sue Hinds said: “We are working to establish exactly what happened this afternoon and officers will remain in the area to conduct house-to-house, CCTV and forensic enquiries, and to offer reassurance to the community.

“We understand that it will have been alarming to see the police activity today and to hear about the circumstances.

"Thankfully, such incidents are rare and we are absolutely determined to bring those responsible to justice and eradicate knife crime across Merseyside.

"Come forward with any information you have about this incident and anyone you suspect is involved in knife crime and we will take action.”

If you have any information contact Merseyside on Twitter @MerPolCC, phone 101 with reference number 464.

Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.