A teenager was stabbed in the back as he rode his bike past a gang of thugs.
The 18-year-old victim has undergone hospital treatment after being knifed by the loopline in Halewood.
Police today launched a witness appeal after confirming the victim "suffered a puncture wound to the back" on Monday afternoon.
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The teenager initially thought he had been hit by something but realised he had been knifed when he returned home in Wood Road and an ambulance was called.
Today police confirmed the teenager was stabbed after "riding his bike along the loopline, past a group of males".
His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening, police added.
A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: "Police are investigating reports an 18 year-old male was injured in the Halewood area yesterday afternoon.
"We were contacted by the North West Ambulance Service at 3.50pm following reports they were treating a male for an injury to his back.
"The teenager is believed to have been riding his bike along the loopline, past a group of males, when he thought he had been hit by something."
The spokesperson added: "When he returned home to the Wood Road area he realised he had suffered a puncture wound to the back.
"He was taken to hospital for treatment for his injury which is not believed to be life threatening."
An investigation is underway and enquiries are being carried out locally.
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Detective Inspector Leanne Hobin said: “The investigation is in the very early stages and we are working to establish exactly what has taken place and exactly where this incident has happened.
“I would appeal for anyone who could assist our investigation to DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting log 589 of 1st March."
