Horror after man seen 'soaked' with blood in 'machete' attack

People were horrified after seeing a man "soaked" in blood following an attack.

Emergency services were called to Brownlow Hill in the heart of Liverpool's student quarter just after 3pm Monday, May 20, after reports of a stabbing and attempted robbery.

The victim was reportedly riding a mountain bike in the area when he was attacked by two men on an electric motorbike who were wielding what was believed to be "a machete". The men reportedly attempted to steal his bike.

READ MORE: Boy stabbed 'for his trainers' as he walked to school to sit GCSE exam

READ MORE: Police officers assaulted by teenagers as crowd films incident

A woman told the ECHO she witnessed the attack while she was on the school run. She said she believed it looked like a "targeted attack", rather than a random robbery.

It was believed the attackers had took the victim's "fingers off", however a spokesperson for Merseyside Police confirmed he did not lose his fingers but suffered slash wounds to his hands. They added in an update today, Tuesday, May 21, the man remains in hospital in a stable condition.

According to police, the man also suffered "several stab wounds". Police are yet to recover the weapon and enquiries remain ongoing. The attackers allegedly rode off towards Grove Street and were last seen on Mason Street.

When the ECHO arrived on the scene, there was a large cordon in place, with several houses taped off opposite the John Lennon Art and Design Building, which is part of Liverpool John Moores University. Blood stains were visible on the pavement in front of the houses.

Among neighbours, there was widespread disbelief and horror about the incident. One woman, who is staying with her daughter in a nearby house, was overcome with emotion as she told us what she saw.

She said: "I looked outside and there was a young man just covered in blood, soaked. He looked like he had been stabbed in the shoulder. I was so scared, so scared. I still can't believe it." She said the scene was chaotic, with cars beeping their horns as they drove past.

Speaking to the ECHO, another lady who was out walking with her family was very upset at what happened. She said: "We've lived round here for years. I honestly can't believe it. It's a really nice, well-to-do place, with load of kids and students around. It's shocking."

ECHO readers were just as appalled by the incident. One reader said: "I grew up down there for 30 years Brownlow Hill - Gill Street - Bullring area. The only knife we heard of growing up was for toast.

"It was a lovely place there then. Probably quiet there still - student area. I know people living in the houses. It is a disgrace to our society. I only hope the victim will be okay, get well soon. Hope the culprits are caught."

Another added: "Sadly it’s a horrible world out there today. When I was a kid people left their front door open."

An investigation is underway in the area whilst officers conduct CCTV, door to door enquiries and forensic examinations.

Chief Inspector Gillian Kearns of Merseyside Police said: "We are in the early stages of investigating what was a violent and terrifying attack on a young man who was assaulted and left with serious injuries after two offenders attempted to steal his bike.

“If you were on Brownlow Hill or Duckinfield Street and saw the attack or these two suspects riding an electric motorbike this afternoon please contact us. Similarly, if you saw the offenders on Grove Street or Mason Street please contact us immediately so we can find those responsible.

“Last week our officers continued their work to tackle knife crime using enforcement, prevention and education through Sceptre, the national knife crime awareness campaign."

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here