London, 29 July 2024 (PA Media/dpa/MIA) – Armed police have detained a man and seized a knife after number of people were injured in “multiple stabbings” near Liverpool.

Emergency services were called to the “major incident” at a property on Hart Street in the town of Southport at about 11:50 am (1050 GMT) on Monday.

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said there had been “reports of multiple stabbings.”

Merseyside Police said: “There are a number of reported casualties and more details will be confirmed when possible.

“Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station.

“Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public.”

NWAS said it had dispatched multiple resources to the scene.

It said: “We’re assessing the situation and working with emergency partners.”

Photo: MIA archive