A McDonald's worker has described seeing 'blood everywhere' after a man was attacked with an axe at the Bootle Strand shopping centre in Merseyside. Police were called to Stanley Road at around 5.45pm on Thursday following reports of a serious assault.
The victim, a man in his 40s, sustained lacerations to his head and face from a bladed weapon. He was taken to hospital and is in a stable condition. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a man hit on the head with an axe while sitting on a bench near Burger King.
Forensic officers were seen taking photographs of a bench and blood stains on the floor. A bag and coat were also removed from the scene. Police believe the attack may have occurred further down Stanley Road before the victim walked to the Strand.
Detective Inspector Sara Lang said: 'This would have been a shocking incident to witness, and we are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened. We initially think this was a targeted attack by people known to the victim but we are keeping an open mind as to the motive.'
Door-to-door enquiries and CCTV investigations are ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward through official channels.
