WITNESS APPEAL - SERIOUS ASSAULT, LITHERLAND

MERSEYSIDE Police are investigating a serious assault with happened in Litherland on Saturday, 6 March 2010.

At around 11pm officers were called by the ambulance service to a flat in Condron Road North in Litherland following reports that a man had been attacked and suffered a serious arm injury.

On arrival officers found a 53 year old local man with a deep wound to his forearm, which is believed to have been caused by a machete or a large knife.

The victim was taken to hospital for emergency surgery and his condition is currently described as serious but not life threatening.

He has not yet been spoken to by police and the motive for the assault has not been established although detectives believe the victim and his 27 year old son may have disturbed burglars at a neighbour's flat and when they have gone outside to investigate they have been attacked.

The 27 year old suffered minor injuries during the incident caused by being punched by one of the offenders.

Three young men aged between 15 and 20 years were seen outside the flats at around the time of the incident and police would lie to speak to them in connection with it.

Detective Inspector David Keegan of Sefton CID, said:- "This was a dreadful and cowardly attack on an innocent man who has suffered an extremely severe wound to his arm which has required extensive surgery.

For this reason we have not yet been able to speak to him for his account of what happened so we are looking for the community's help in tracking down the people responsible.

We believe he and his son were simply investigating a commotion at a neighbour's home. This kind of assault is thankfully very rare but an innocent man has suffered appalling injuries as a result and his son is also extremely upset at what has happened.

I would urge the three young men seen outside the flats at the time of this attack to make themselves known to the police and I would appeal for anyone with information to contact us."

The flat outside which the attack happened has been cordoned off for forensic examination and high visibility patrols will remain in the area to reassure residents.

Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the Condron Road North area between 10.30pm and 11.30pm last night, or has any other information is asked to call Copy Lane CID on:- 0151 777 3165 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.

APPEAL FOR WITNESSES - SHOTS FIRED GRIFFIN CLOSE, CROXTETH

MERSEYSIDE Police are investigating reports of shots fired in Griffin Close, Croxteth on Saturday, 6 March 2010, have arrested a 21 year old man on suspicion of firearm, criminal damage and attempt wounding.

Detectives from the specialist Matrix team made the arrest following the incident that took place just after 11.20pm when it was reported that shots had been fired at a house in Griffin Close.

Although it is early stages of the investigation officers believe that the house was targeted, but say it is good fortune that none of the occupants (including three children aged two months and 2 and a half years and 14 years) were injured.

Detective Chief Inspector Richie Davies, said:- "Merseyside Police will not tolerate the use of firearms on the streets. The occupants of this house are lucky that they weren't injured and it is particularly concerning as there were children in the property when the gun was fired. So far the occupants of the property have failed to fully co-operate with officers, but we can't stress enough that this could have been a lot worse. This was a reckless offence committed by irresponsible criminals who pose a danger to our communities. The safety of young children and the public is the prime concern for Merseyside Police and the partners who work with us. We are particularly interested in finding out more information about two people seen on a motorbike near to the address at the time of the shooting. And would appeal to anyone who has any information to come forward immediately."

Crime Scene Investigators have carried out forensic examinations at the scene and house-to-house enquiries have been carried out. Patrols in the area have also been stepped up to reassure the local community.  Anyone who may have information in relation to the incident is asked to call the Matrix team on:- 0151 777 5699, or Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.

WOMAN CHARGED FOLLOWING STABBING IN SPEKE

A 19 year old woman has been charged with stabbing a man in Speke on the evening of Friday, 5 March 2010.   Lynsay Louise O'Hara, who is from Wavertree, has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm following the stabbing at a house in Upton Green.  The victim, who is 28, went into Speke police station after the incident, telling officers he had been stabbed in the ribs.  He was taken to hospital, in a serious condition.  The house where the stabbing took place and the garden were sealed off for forensic examination and Speke police station was temporarily closed while crime scene investigators attended.  A 43 year old woman and a 33 year old man were also arrested in connection with the incident, but have since been released on police bail, pending further inquiries.  Anyone with information is asked to call Admiral Street CID on:- 0151 777 5394 or Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.