A man was seriously hurt after he was stabbed in the head by a gang of knifemen - just yards from a primary school.
The victim was assaulted at around 12.30pm today on Windrows in Skelmersdale, police said.
The incident happened close to St Edmund's Catholic Primary School and led to warnings being sent to concerned parents by staff.
On Twitter, a school spokesman said: "Due to a police incident outside the shop next to school a small area is currently cordoned off and you will need to avoid this area when collecting the children from school at 3.15pm.
"Thank you."
The victim, in his early 50s, is in a serious but stable condition at hospital.
The offenders are believed to be a group of around four or five men wearing dark clothing and face coverings.
Detective Sgt Pete Reil, of Lancashire Police, said: “This was a really serious assault which has left a man with some significant injuries.
“While we believe this was a targeted attack and there is no threat to the wider community we need the public’s help to try and identify the offenders.
“This attack was carried out in broad daylight and not far from a school and we simply will not tolerate this level of shocking violence on our streets.
“I would ask anyone with information or anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage in the area to get in touch.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 0593 of Tuesday, July 2 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
