FIVE youths have been released under investigation by police following a double stabbing in St Helens that happened during a mass brawl.

The violence, which erupted on Standish Street and then spilled into Hall Street and Lower Hall Street, St Helens left an 18-year-old with a head wound and a 16-year-old with a serious arm injury.

Two 16-year-old boys from Huyton, a 16-year-old boy from Widnes, and two 18-year-old men from St Helens were questioned after being arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

The Star understands detectives anticipate a lengthy and painstaking investigation due to the number of youths allegedly involved.

Witnesses reported seeing youths brawling on the street.

A 41-year-old woman, who witnessed the violence, said: “I was coming home from town going towards Pocket Nook and saw a mass brawl on the bridge with around five groups of lads hitting each other and even going into the road.

“I thought about getting out and stopping them but I couldn’t with the traffic.

“Something must have happened and I saw a group of them run off down Hall Street.

“When I got in my son said his mate who lives on Hall Street thought someone’s been stabbed.

“It’s made me quite scared to be honest and now I think it’s a good job I didn’t stop because if they had weapons I could have been hurt too.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw anything suspicious that could help is asked to contact 101 or you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously and for free on 0800 555111 or via their online form crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online