Man in hospital after 'shocking' street axe attack
GoogleA man in his 40s has been attacked with an axe near a shopping centre, police have said.
Merseyside Police, which believes the victim was targetted by people known to him, said the assault happened near The Strand on Stanley Road in Bootle at about 17:45 GMT on Thursday.
North West Ambulance Service said it had taken the man to hospital, where police said he remained in unknown but stable condition.
A police spokesman said door-to-door enquiries were taking place as the gathering of CCTV footage and other evidence continued.
'Devastates communities'
Det Insp Sara Lang said: "This would have been a shocking incident to witness, and we are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened, or who has since heard any information about those responsible.
"We initially think that this was a targeted attack by people known to the victim but we are keeping an open mind as to the motive.
"Knife crime devastates communities, so if you know anything, come forward now through the official channels.
"As always, we will look to take positive action to find these offenders and remove them from the streets."
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