A teenage boy was arrested for witness intimidation after a 14-year-old was repeatedly stabbed in the street.
The victim is still in hospital after the vicious attack in St Helens on Tuesday, January 19, and is likely to stay there for some time.
He was reportedly chased and stabbed multiple times to the leg and chest at around 7pm on Princess Avenue.
After a kind stranger rushed to help him, the boy was then taken to hospital for treatment.
Since the stabbing detectives have arrested three teenage boys, aged between 14 and 16, on suspicion of Section 18 wounding and they have now been released on conditional bail.
Now, officers say they have also arrested another 16-year-old boy on suspicion of witness intimidation and taken him for questioning.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "Detectives investigating a stabbing in St Helens on Tuesday 19 January have today arrested a teenager on suspicion of witness intimidation.
"The 16-year-old, from St Helens, was arrested this afternoon, Friday 22 January, and taken to a police station for questioning.
"Three males, aged 14-16 and from St Helens, remain on conditional bail following their arrests earlier this week.
"Extensive enquiries continue in the area."
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Vaughan said: “Our investigation is ongoing and I want to make it absolutely clear that we will take immediate and robust action if we believe that anyone is looking to make threats, attempt to intimidate witnesses, or do anything which cause fear and harm in our communities.
“The victim remains in hospital and will do for a while yet, which I hope brings home the gravity of what happened on Tuesday, and why we are taking every step to bring those responsible before the courts.
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“If you attempt to frustrate our investigation, we will be coming for you, as well as each and every person involved in the attack itself.
“Meanwhile, we’d continue to urge anyone yet to come forward to do so, either directly or if you feel more comfortable, anonymously via Crimestoppers.
"However you get information to us, we will treat it with the utmost care and sensitivity.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref. 21000039628 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Information can also be shared through the following link: https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/merseyside/appeal/appeal-for-information-stabbing-in-st-helens-21000039628
