One man is in a critical condition following a knife attack on Formby beach that left three people in hospital, police have confirmed.
Officers are continuing to investigate the stabbing, which reportedly involved an axe and a samurai sword according to one witness.
Merseyside Police said officers were called to reports of three people stabbed at the popular beach spot near Liverpool shortly after 7pm on Sunday.
Two 20-year-old men and a teenage boy, aged 16, were taken to hospital for treatment.
One of the men is in a critical but stable condition, police said, while the other man and the teenager are described as being in a serious but not life-threatening condition.
Families enjoying the Bank Holiday weather were reportedly asked to leave the beach in Sefton and give their details, as a police cordon was erected at the scene.
Detective Superintendent Mark Baker from Mersyside Police said: "We believe that this was an unprovoked attack.
"Last night, officers spoke to a large number of people who were leaving the beach to gather vital intelligence. Every piece of information we are given is vital to our investigation, so I'd like to ask anyone who saw what happened to come forward as soon as possible.
"We understand that this shocking event will cause considerable distress to the community in Sefton, and we are working around the clock to identify who was responsible and bring them to justice.
"After many difficult months, it was good to see people out enjoying themselves at the beach yesterday. The fact that three young people have been attacked in this way is truly shocking and disappointing, and our officers will be increasing patrols in the area over the coming days and weeks."
Officers will remain at the scene today while a full investigation is carried out.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 21000350312. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
