Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 16-year-old boy was seriously assaulted in Everton. Merseyside Police were called to the Lutine Bell on Breck Road at around 2.15pm this afternoon, Wednesday October 21, following reports a teenager had been attacked nearby.
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, where he remains in a serious condition.
Arrests Made
Following enquiries, two teenagers, a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. A 37-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman have also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All four are currently in custody and enquiries are ongoing, police said.
A woman whose family member owns the Lutine Bell told the ECHO how 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."
Witness Accounts
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. 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.
An employee at Madina Superstore also told the ECHO they saw a man running away from the scene. "There was a man running 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."
Ongoing Investigation
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.
Detective Chief Inspector Paula Jones said: "Although we have four people in custody we are continuing to appeal for anyone who was in the area of Breck Road shortly after 2pm and saw, heard or captured anything please get in touch. 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."
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 the force's website or by calling 101 quoting incident reference 26000865220. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
