A 15-year-old boy suffered serious facial injuries after being attacked by two men in what police believe was a case of mistaken identity. Merseyside Police were called to North Park, Bootle, at around 8.50pm on Friday, October 30, following reports of an assault.
The teenager was with friends when two men approached him and shouted at him, allegedly believing him to be someone else. The pair then assaulted the boy and demanded his coat, trainers and mobile phone. When he refused, one of the suspects allegedly cut him on the knee with a knife and stabbed him in the back, cutting his coat but causing no further injury. He was then further attacked with a hammer.
Victim treated in hospital
The victim suffered reddening to his cheekbones and a serious facial injury which required hospital treatment. Pictures taken at the scene appear to show a police cordon near the railway bridge near Marsh Lane.
An investigation is ongoing, with officers carrying out extensive enquiries.
Suspect descriptions
The first suspect is described as a white man aged around 25, approximately 5ft 11in tall and of slim build. He was wearing black clothing with his hood up. The second suspect is described as a white man aged between 20 and 25, of large build, with a black beard.
Neighbourhood Inspector Kenneth Sumner said: "This was a vicious assault on a young boy that left him with serious facial injuries which required hospital treatment and understandably shaken by what happened."
Appeal for information
Sumner added: "Although it was reported that the offenders may have mistaken the victim for someone else, there can be absolutely no justification for this level of violence. We are carrying out extensive enquiries into the circumstances of the incident and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the assault, saw two men matching these descriptions in the area, or has any information which could assist our investigation, to come forward."
He also asked anyone who was in or around North Park at the time and has mobile phone, dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage to review it and contact police if they have captured anything that could be relevant. Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC with reference 26000891699, report information via the force's website, or call 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.
