A man has been taken to hospital after being stabbed in the face during a "large-scale disturbance" in Anfield. Merseyside Police responded to the junction of Oakfield Road and Walton Breck Road at approximately 12:45 PM on Friday, June 12, following reports of a stabbing.
The victim received treatment at the scene before being transported to the hospital. His current condition has not been disclosed. Officers recovered a number of weapons from the location. A video widely shared on social media depicts a large group of men involved in the altercation, some wielding metal poles as weapons.
The footage shows two groups of men exchanging punches, with several individuals attempting to intervene and break up the fight. A police officer can be seen trying to separate those involved, and another officer arrives shortly afterward to disperse the crowd.
Arrests and Charges
Five men, aged 19 and 20, from Buckinghamshire, Wigan, and Galway, have been arrested on suspicion of various offenses, including Section 18 wounding with intent, affray, and possession of a bladed article. They remain in police custody for questioning.
Enhanced Police Measures
To prevent further incidents, a dispersal order has been implemented until 1:15 PM on Saturday, alongside a Section 60 stop-and-search authorization active until 2:15 PM the same day. Both measures are under continuous review. A heightened police presence will remain in the area to reassure residents and deter further crime or serious violence.
The orders cover a broad area including Priory Road, Breck Road, Breckfield Road North, Robson Street, Sleepers Hill, Anfield Road, and Walton Lane, as well as surrounding streets within the designated boundary. Police stated that these measures were introduced in response to reports of disorder and criminal activity causing concern within the local community.
Legal Basis for Orders
The dispersal order, issued under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, grants officers the authority to direct individuals suspected of causing or likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to leave the area and not return for up to 48 hours. Officers may also seize items, including vehicles, linked to anti-social behavior. Failure to comply with the direction or returning within the exclusion period can result in arrest.
The Section 60 order, under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, provides officers with enhanced stop-and-search powers to reduce the risk of further serious violence.
Police Statement
Superintendent Kris Le Poidevin said: "Such disorder will not be tolerated on Merseyside, and our officers were quickly at the scene and made a number of arrests to restore order in the area. There will be a highly visible police presence in the area to robustly deal with any issues and provide reassurance so that no one is subjected to such behavior.
"We have proactively put the Section 60 Order and Section 34 Dispersal authorities in place so as to provide us with the powers needed to stop and search people, and to remove those causing issues from a designated area. These additional powers are not about bothering anyone going about their daily business or preventing people from meeting up with friends. It’s simply about taking action to reduce intimidation, anti-social behavior and violence and make sure that everyone can feel safe."
How to Report Information
To report a crime, contact Merseyside Police via their social media desk on X or Facebook @MerPolCC. Information can also be submitted through the force's website or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
