A teenager who was slashed and stabbed in Birkenhead Park told a man who carried him to the park's exit, 'I love you, bro'. The 19-year-old victim suffered serious injuries to his hand, stomach, and thigh during the attack in the early hours of Sunday.
Rescuer's Account
A 27-year-old local man, who the ECHO has agreed not to name, was walking home from a night out when he found the victim. He said: 'I came across the victim sitting on a bench by the croc pond. He shouted "help me bro". I asked if he was okay but was hesitant to go over as it was pitch black.'
The rescuer described the victim's injury as 'gruesome' and helped him walk to the nearest exit, applying first aid including using his belt to slow the bleeding from the victim's hand. He added: 'He was losing a lot of blood from his hand so I took off my belt and used it to slow the bleeding. I also had a tight hold around his wrist with both of my hands. At this time I didn't realise that he had multiple stab wounds.'
The man stayed with the teenager until police arrived. He recalled: '[The victim] did not say much that I can remember as I was speaking to the 999 operator giving his details and our location. It was all a panic but I remember him asking my name and him saying "I love you, bro".'
Police Response and Arrest
Officers were called at around 1:45am and the teenager was taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries were not described as life-threatening. A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of section 18 wounding with intent on Tuesday.
Detective Inspector Phil Ryan said: 'Our investigation into this incident is gathering pace and a suspect is currently in custody. I hope this reassures our community how seriously we take reports of this nature. Violence on our streets and in our local parks will never be tolerated. Although we have now made an arrest, we are still appealing for anyone with information to come forward.'
Community Concerns
Merseyside Police locked down a significant part of Birkenhead Park, focusing around the Birkenhead Park Cricket Club pitches. The ECHO understands an 18th birthday party was held inside the club's pavilion on Saturday night, but police have not confirmed if the incident is connected.
Local residents reported seeing 'someone on the floor [by the] entrance to the park covered in a silver blanket' and a group of 'eight to 10ish young lads' hanging around the park after others had been picked up in taxis.
Detective Superintendent Joe Marston emphasised: 'Reducing knife crime is a priority all year round in Merseyside. We are committed to proactively using stop and search powers, carrying out open land searches, warrants and education work alongside partners to remove weapons from the streets. While we are making positive progress, we understand the devastating consequences of carrying a knife and are relentless in our approach to targeting and pursuing criminals. The use of knives and any weapons is reckless and will not be tolerated, and can have tragic consequences, not only for the victim and their family, but also for the offenders involved. I would urge people to educate themselves and speak to their children and family members about the dangers of knife crime. There is no place for knives in our communities.'
