Stop and search powers as officers step-up patrols after separate attacks
A 15-year-old boy was stabbed in Stockbridge Village and a nineteen year old man was shot in Huyton
Police have stepped up patrols in Knowsley after two young men were seriously hurt in separate attacks on Friday (07/11).
A 15-year-old boy was stabbed in Stockbridge Village and a nineteen year old man was shot in Huyton.
Officers say both remain in a serious but stable condition.
Section 60 orders give officers extra powers to search people suspected of being involved in crime - and remain in place until 4 o'clock this afternoon (09/11).
The reported incidents
At around 3.45pm, emergency services were called to Woodfarm Hey, Stockbridge Village to reports of a 15-year-old boy being stabbed. He was taken to hospital for assessment and is described as being in a serious but stable condition.
At 8.50pm, Merseyside Police received a report that a 19-year-old man had sustained gunshot injuries to his back and leg outside an address on Manley Road, Huyton. Emergency services attended the scene and the victim was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
It is not initially believed that the incidents are linked, but detectives are keeping an open mind.
Additional officers are providing high visibility presence in both areas.
In Stockbridge Village, the boundaries are as follows: area on the map bordered by Waterpark Drive and Haswell Drive.
In Huyton, the boundaries are as follows: area on the map bordered by M62, M57, Huyton Lane into Archway Lane and Roby Road.
'These are extremely serious incidents'
Knowsley Local Policing Superintendent Karl Baldwin said: “First and foremost, we understand the concern that both incidents will have caused last night and today. The residents of both Stockbridge Village and Huyton will be rightly shocked to hear about what has happened, and we’d urge those communities to come forward if they haven’t already done so, with any information, CCTV or other footage. You can speak to officers in the area, contact us directly by phone or online, or come forward to Crimestoppers anonymously.
“These are extremely serious incidents which have resulted in two young people sustaining serious injuries in what appear to have been targeted attacks. We are working hard to piece together the circumstances while supporting each victim’s family, and we are keeping an open mind as to the motives while providing significant additional resources in these areas.
“Supporting this work will be Section 60 orders, just one of the measures we are taking to disrupt those who are willing to use firearms and knives in our community. Such action isn’t about bothering anyone going about their daily business or preventing people from meeting with friends. It’s simply about taking action to reduce violence and make sure that everyone can feel safe where they live. If we see something of suspicion we will take the appropriate action to make the streets safe.
“Key to reducing the harm of serious crime is information passed on from those affected, so please speak up and you can help reduce the risk. If you suspect anyone is carrying, storing or using weapons, do the right thing and let us know, or call Crimestoppers anonymously, and we will take action.”
The Section 60 Order gives officers additional powers to search people who are suspected of involvement in criminality and disorder.
It also includes a Section 60AA authorisation, meaning failure to remove a face covering when asked by an officer could result in arrest.
Any face covering can also be seized by a police officer.
Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police or call 101 quoting incident reference 25000914642 (Stockbridge Village) and 25000915302 (Huyton).
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website.
In an emergency always call 999.