A man was attacked and left with serious injuries outside TJ Hughes in Liverpool city centre.
Emergency services were called to London Road, shortly after 6.30pm on Friday, to reports of an assault.
The victim had suffered injuries to his head and face before being taken to hospital for treatment.
Nearby a 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and taken into custody to be questioned over the attack.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We were contacted at 6.35pm following reports a man had been assaulted near to the TJ Hughes store on London Road.
"The man is believed to have suffered head and facial injuries and has been taken to hospital where he is a serious but stable condition.
"A 28 year-old man from the Old Swan area was arrested nearby on suspicion of s18 assault and is currently in custody where he will be questioned by detectives.
"An investigation is underway and witness and CCTV enquiries are being carried out in the local area."
Detective Inspector Nick Suffield said: “Enquiries into what took place are in the early stages. I would ask anyone who was in the area of London Road this evening who witnessed anything to contact us.
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“I am particularly interested in any taxi or delivery drivers who may have been in the area and would ask that they check their dash-cams to see if they have captured anything significant.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information which could assist the investigation is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK quoting reference 20000753062.
