Three men were airlifted to hospital following a horror stabbing on Formby beach in Merseyside.
Emergency services were called to the popular tourist hotspot at around 7.10pm on Sunday (30 May) to reports of a stabbing.
A witness told the Liverpool Echo that a man was attacked with an axe and samurai sword during an 'arranged fight' at the beach.
Families enjoying the Bank Holiday weather were reportedly asked to leave the area and give their details, as a police cordon was erected at the scene.
A heavy police presence was also in place on Victoria Road, known as 'Millionaire's Row,' due to the number of millionaires and Premier League footballers who reside there.
Detectives investigating the incidents believe they are linked but are "keeping an open mind as to the motives behind them."
A witness told the ECHO : "The lad who was losing the fight pulled out an axe and hit the other lad with it. His mate then pulled out a samurai sword and used that too. It was bad."
Merseyside Police said they will be patrolling the beach after the "horrific incident" and are urging anyone who witnessed what happened to come forward.
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 Merseyside Police's 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.
