Teenager stabbed near Sherdley Park as families gathered for fireworks display

The attack happened on Marshalls Cross Road shortly after 7.30pm as thousands were gathering for the annual Spark in the Park fireworks display.

He was knifed in the back on a grass verge as families - many with young children - walked up to the Spark in the Park event.

Passers-by rushed to his aid and he was treated by paramedics. The injuries are not life-threatening.

Witnesses were left shocked and sickened.  

Police described the attack, which is believed to have been targeted, as "reckless and brutal behaviour".  

In the hours after the attack, officers arrested a 17-year-old boy from Warrington on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

He remains in custody, where he is being questioned.

A police statement read: “We were called shortly after 7.30pm to reports of an altercation on the grass verge by the roadway.

“A 17-year-old male was treated by ambulance staff and has since been taken to hospital where his condition is described as serious but non life threatening.”

Superintendent Paddy Kelly said: "Although this incident did not happen at the fireworks display, this is a shocking incident which although is believed to be targeted, has taken place in an area where there are undoubtedly lots of innocent children and members of the public wondering around. 

"This is currently a live investigation and officers at the scene are working with security staff to secure the area, analyse CCTV and conduct forensic analysis and urge anyone with information to come forward quoting log 1051 of 5th November.

“We cannot have this sort of reckless and brutal behaviour and we will do everything we can to bring the offenders to justice."

Please call 101, DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK with any information.