A girl is fighting for her life after being stabbed in Liverpool city centre earlier this evening.
Merseyside Police raced to the scene following reports of a stabbing at about 8.39pm tonight near the busy shopping street.
Police say the victim was believed to have been with friends and there was a "verbal argument" with a group of boys, LiverpoolECHO reports.
One of the boys is believed to have assaulted the victim.
The group of boys then ran off, officers said.
The victim was rushed to the hospital where she is being treated and her condition is described as critical.
Her family have been informed and are by her bedside at hospital, police have said.
The girl's age is unknown at this time.
A wide cordon remains in place between the TK Maxx and Primark off Church Street and the surrounding area as forensic investigators comb the area.
Witnesses say there are at least five police vehicles at the scene.
Images from the scene show officers looking on as police tap seals off the large area from the public.
The cordon is close to the street's large Christmas tree, which was lit up earlier this evening.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information which could help us with their inquiries, are asked to DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook ’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 with reference 0899 of 25 November.
