A teenager was stabbed several times after being ambushed in a park by three young men on bikes.
The seriously injured victim, 18, has been taken to hospital after the knifing in Wavertree last night.
Emergency services rushed to Northway Recreational Ground at 5.40pm after the man was wounded in the hand and leg.
A cordon was put in place and the park, which is close to Northway Primary School on the junction of Deverell Road and Northway, in Wavertree, was taped off.
Today Merseyside Police launched a witness appeal into the stabbing which they said happened moments after the victim was surrounded by three men on bikes.
They later confirmed the males were believed to be "youths/teenagers".
One of the thugs stabbed the victim during the confrontation before they fled in in the direction of Beachtree Lane.
Police said the injured man is in hospital with "serious but not life-altering injuries".
Appealing for witnesses, a Merseyside Police spokesperson said: "We’re appealing for information following reports a man was stabbed in Wavertree yesterday, Tuesday 25 May.
"At around 5.40pm emergency services were called to Northway Park after it was reported the victim had been stabbed in the hand and leg. He was taken to hospital for treatment of serious but not life-altering injuries.
"Following enquiries, it was reported that the man had been stabbed by one of a group of three men who were on bikes in the park. They are said to have made off in the direction of Beachtree Lane after the incident."
Officers have conducted house to house enquiries and CCTV opportunities in the area are being explored.
The police cordon was no longer in place this morning.
Last night within the cordon an abandoned black, red and grey push bike appeared to have been left on the grass in an area close to the footpath.
Detective Inspector Gary Thomas said: “We're keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw any suspicious behaviour in the park yesterday afternoon.
“The use of knives on our streets is extremely dangerous and will not be tolerated.
“Our schools officers regularly engage with young people about the danger carrying a knife can pose to themselves and others, and I would urge people to educate themselves and speak to their children and family members about the dangers of knife crime.
“I want to appeal to anyone with information about knife crime in Merseyside, or this incident in particular, to please get in touch. You can contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref 689 of 25/05 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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