Four or five men are believed to have been involved in a vicious assault in which a man was reportedly stabbed and had an unknown substance sprayed in his face.
Emergency services were first called to Inglis Road, in Walton , at about 6.30pm on Sunday to reports of the substance being thrown at a man's face and a stabbing.
A huge emergency response was then seen at Aintree Hospita l, where the 26-year-old victim was taken, as medical staff worked to determine what the substance was.
Police suspect it was a targeted attack and that four or five men were involved in the assault. They were wearing black clothing and facial coverings.
A cordon was in place at the hospital while a medical assessment was made of the victim.
Medical staff have now confirmed the substance was "alkaline based" and caused a slight irritation to the man's face, with no lasting damage. Common alkaline based household products include bleach.
He is currently in hospital being treated for injuries to his face, head and body.
Police confirmed the victim was not co-operating with officers in relation to the identity of the offenders and the circumstances around the assault.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident including conducting house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.
Detective Inspector Sean Kelly-Martland, said: "We believe the assault was targeted and would like to reassure the community that we are fully investigating the incident and pro-actively looking for the offenders.
"We will not tolerate the use of knives or weapons of any kind and will do everything we can to take them off the streets.
"If you were in or near to Inglis Road at around 6.30pm and saw the incident or heard anything suspicious, please come forward.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC.
You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 20000025858 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
