Police are appealing for witnesses after three stabbing on Formby beach tonight

Detectives in Sefton are appealing for information following reports of three stabbings in Formby this evening, Sunday 30 May.

At around 7.10pm, emergency services were called to Formby Beach to reports that three men had been stabbed. They have been taken to hospital by air ambulance for treatment.

It has been claimed that a man was hit with a samurai sword and an axe during the arranged fight at Formby beach which was packed today due to the hot weather. Three men suffered stab wounds.

CCTV and forensic enquiries are ongoing and officers will be in the area this evening to speak to the community and gather information. Detective Superintendent Mark Baker said: "At this early stage we believe that these incidents are linked, but are keeping an open mind as to the motives behind them.”

"However, we know the community of Formby and beyond will be alarmed to hear about what has happened and will share our determination to find those responsible and remove them from the streets. Officers remain at the scene and are available to support any residents looking for information or support.”

"I know that there were a number of people on the beach this evening, and I'd like to urge anyone who saw what happened to come forward and help us to identify the offender as soon as possible.”

"It is appalling and sad that on a sunny day like today when people have been out enjoying themselves we are patrolling our beaches after such a horrific incident. Knife crime has no place whatsoever in our communities and we're doing everything we can to bring the offender to justice."

You can pass information via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook with reference 978 of 30/05. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.