The distraught mum of a 12-year-old boy has the described the moment she watched her son repeatedly stabbed by a man on a bouncy castle.
The youngster was targeted by two men who ambushed his sister's eighth birthday party and pursued him on the back garden inflatable yesterday afternoon.
The boy was attacked with kicks and punches before the blade was plunged into his leg three times in front of up to 14 terrified children.
This afternoon, his mum spoke of her horror from hospital and described watching in disbelief as the brutal attack unfolded at the Southport Road home in Bootle.
One of the blows just missed a main artery, it has been revealed, which could have proved fatal.
She told Mail Online : "I felt sick to my stomach when I saw it happen.
"They chased my son down the road, into the back garden and on to the bouncy castle.
"One was on top of him kicking and punching him in the face, while the other stabbed him in the leg.
"It was horrendous.
"I'm just relieved he is still with me."
Earlier today, the ECHO reported how the shocking stabbing may have been sparked by stone throwing.
Family of the 12-year-old said the boy had nipped to a nearby shop with a friend, just after 2pm yesterday, and was walking home.
Stones had been thrown between the two of them, or at street lamps, his relative added, as they played together.
But they say a man "wrongly" thought a stone had been thrown at his nearby property.
At about midday, today, a man was seen being led out of a nearby property, also on Southport Road, in handcuffs.
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One arrest has been made so far, a 20-year-old, from Bootle, on suspicion of Section 18 wounding.
He will be questioned by detectives.
Police believe the incident revolved around a local dispute and that the stabbing was targeted.
Officers described it as "despicable."
The boy has undergone surgery to his wounds and remains in hospital, with his mum by his bedside.
Detective Chief Inspector Gayle Rooney said: “Although it is pleasing to have made a quick arrest, our investigation continues and we’re gathering all information to piece together the circumstances.
"If you saw anything or hold any CCTV, dashcam, or other material, get them to us as soon as possible.
“We understand the concern that such an incident has in the community.
"This was not a random attack and we believe that all involved were from the local area.
"Nonetheless, for a young person to be assaulted is despicable, so it’s vitally important that anyone with details to assist comes forward, either directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers, and we will take action.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref. 21000220899 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
