A teenage boy was attacked moments after a van struck him before then ploughing into a wall.
The series of terrifying events happened in Halewood last night around 8pm.
The 16-year-old boy was at the junction of Baileys Lane and Kempsall Walk when he was hit by the van.
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The occupants are then reported to have got out and attacked the teenager, who suffered injuries to his body and was taken to hospital.
His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
The van was also reported to have struck a wall during the incident.
Concerned residents posted on social media last night that police had taped off an area near Halewood Leisure Centre.
Emergency services including several police and amb ulance vehicles are reported to have attended the scene.
An investigation is currently underway with house-to-house and CCTV enquiries being carried out.
Detective Sergeant Kirsty Miller said: “I would appeal for anyone who was in the area around Baileys Lane at 8pm last night who saw anyone or anything suspicious to contact us.
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"I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the van or captured it around the Halewood area on dash-cam footage to contact us as they may have information which is vital to our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 20000545633.
