The stabbing of a 12-year-old boy on a bouncy castle at his eight-year-old sister's birthday party could have been sparked by a row over stone throwing, it is believed.
The child was knifed three times in his leg after two men stormed up the front path and in to the Bootle back garden, cornering him on the inflatable.
The youngster was struck with a flurry of kicks and punches before the blade was plunged repeatedly into his leg, in front of up to 14 terrified children.
The ECHO can reveal how the alarming attack may have been prompted by a row over stone throwing in the moments before the Southport Road assault.
Family of the 12-year-old said the boy had nipped to a nearby shop, just after 2pm yesterday, with a friend 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.
Two men were seen to ambush the back garden party, close to 2.30pm, and head immediately for the 12-year-old.
He tried to escape on the inflatable, but was cornered and subjected to the vicious attack.
The boy is set to undergo surgery on his wounds and remains in hospital, with his mum by his bedside.
Earlier today, police confirmed they had arrested a 20-year-old man, from Bootle, on suspicion of Section 18 wounding.
He was taken into custody and will be quizzed by detectives.
Police have described the attack on a child of such a young age as "despicable" and say the stabbing was targeted.
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.
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"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.
