POLICE have charged a man in connection with an alleged “targeted attack” on two men in St Helens town centre.

Two men were hospitalised after being assaulted on Crab Street, St Helens on the night of Monday, September 14 after an attack involving weapons.

Shortly after 8.15pm, police officers were alerted by the ambulance service to reports of two men in their 30s being assaulted.

Both of the men were found with what are described by police as "serious injuries to their legs and body".

Officers said that "unknown weapons" were used to inflict the injuries in the attack.

Both of the men have since been released from hospital.

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On Wednesday (September 23) police arrested two men in connection with the incident, a 33-year-old man from St Helens and a 32-year-old man from Warrington.

The 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding and false imprisonment.

The 32-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of wounding, false imprisonment and of possession of a firearm.

Officers have today (Friday) confirmed that they have charged one of the suspects.

Shawn O’Malley, 32, of Withers Avenue, Orford, Warrington has been charged with two counts of wounding; two counts of false imprisonment and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He has been remanded in custody to next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on October 23.

The 33-year-old man has been released on conditional bail.

The investigation is ongoing.