People have described "absolute chaos" outside their front doors after a man was stabbed this morning.

Merseyside Police were called to reports a man had been stabbed at a property on Church Walk, Bootle, at around 7.45am today, Wednesday, November 22. The victim, a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries he remains in a critical condition.

A 42-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman have since been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

At the scene today, neighbours spoke of their shock at how quick things changed. One neighbour said: "I went out for a ciggy at 6.30am and saw nothing and then I went out again an hour or so later and there was police everywhere."

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Another person said: "I've just come back from taking my kids on the school run and I returned to absolute chaos."

One woman, whose mum lives behind the police cordon, claims her mum rang her this morning scared. She said: "My mum is bedridden so when she heard banging at the door this morning she couldn't get out to see what it was so she rang me instead. She has no idea who it was banging on her door."

Air Ambulance at the scene
Air Ambulance at the scene

In a statement, Local Policing Superintendent for Sefton, Paul Holden said: "Enquiries are in the very early stages to establish what has taken place. I would appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity at around 7.45am this morning and seen or heard anything to come forward and speak to us.

The statement continues: "I would also urge residents in the area to check your CCTV and dashcam footage in the time leading up to the stabbing to see if it has captured any footage as it may help with our enquires. It is vital that people with information, no matter how small, to please contact us as it might be vital to the investigation."

Superintendent Holden added: "Reducing knife crime in Merseyside is a priority all year round. Our officers are committed in removing anyone who stores, carries and uses weapons through proactive use of stop and search powers, open land searches, warrants and education work alongside partners. Anyone with information is asked to call 101, DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 23001172520."

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