Staff and customers at a pub in Everton rushed to help a 16-year-old boy who was seriously injured in a broad daylight assault. Merseyside Police were called to the Lutine Bell on Breck Road at around 2.15pm following reports a teenager had been attacked. The ECHO understands the boy is believed to have been stabbed and struck over the head with another weapon.
He was taken to hospital for assessment after suffering head and chest injuries. His current condition is unknown.
Customers ran out into the rain to help
A woman whose family member owns the Lutine Bell told the ECHO that customers ran out into the rain to help the injured teenager, bringing him inside the pub and calling an ambulance.
She said: "They were the ones who looked after him and called an ambulance."They brought him inside. It's horrific, he's just a kid."
A large police cordon remains in place outside the pub, with a white tent erected within the taped-off area. Police confirmed the tent was in place because of the weather.
Forensic examination at the scene
The incident appears to have taken place beside a row of bins at the end of Rydal Street. A car covered with tarpaulin was also examined by forensic officers at the scene, with photographs showing police working on the vehicle on Breck Road.
One witness, who was walking past the area at around 2pm, told the ECHO they saw three men running and fighting in the street. He said: "They were all fighting, leaping in the air and kicking each other. They were fighting over by the shutters and then they went over to the solicitors (Paul Crowley & Co) and carried on fighting there."
The witness said the altercation continued in the street before the teenage boy who had been attacked collapsed. They added: "It was mad."
Witnesses describe the aftermath
An employee at Madina Superstore also told the ECHO they saw a man running away from the scene. "There was a man running away wearing grey shorts and a puffer coat," they said. "He was running so fast I couldn’t make out his face. I saw him at the time but I was with customers and I didn’t really think anything bad had happened - there’s always lots going on round here."
The Lutine Bell has also announced that its scheduled bingo night has been cancelled following the incident. In a statement shared on social media, the pub said: "Due to an incident that has occurred on Breck Road today, the bingo is cancelled tonight. We will be back Friday."
Breck Road remains closed at the junction with Breckfield Road North.
Police appeal for witnesses
Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward, including those who may have seen people running away from the area or captured footage of the incident. Detective Chief Inspector Steve Ball said: "These are the very early stages of our investigation and officers will be in the area carrying out their work.
"If you were in the vicinity of Breck Road shortly after 2pm and saw, heard or captured anything please come forward straight away, so we can identify those responsible."You may also live or work nearby and witnessed people running off at the time. Pass on all information and we will make the assessment."
A force spokesperson said: "Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101 quoting incident reference 26000865220.
"Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously."
