A man in his twenties is receiving treatment in hospital for a serious head injury following a violent altercation in Halewood in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Merseyside Police have confirmed that a 43-year-old man from Liverpool has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Emergency services were called to Blakeacre Road at approximately 1:35 am on October 8 after reports of a fight involving a group of men. A police cordon remained in place for several hours as investigations began.
Key Takeaways
- A man in his 20s was taken to hospital with a serious head injury after a street fight in Halewood.
- The incident occurred on Blakeacre Road at around 1:35 am on Wednesday, October 8.
- A 43-year-old man from Liverpool has been arrested on suspicion of section 18 wounding with intent.
- A witness reported seeing the victim dragged across the floor and hearing him shout for help.
- Merseyside Police are appealing for residents to provide CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage.
Early Morning Disturbance in Halewood
Residents on Blakeacre Road were disturbed by a violent incident that unfolded in the street during the early hours of Wednesday. Merseyside Police were alerted to a fight involving several men at approximately 1:35 am.
Upon arrival, police and paramedics found a man, reported to be in his twenties, with a significant head injury. He was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where he is currently being treated. His condition is described as serious.
In response to the incident, a large police presence was established in the area. A cordon was put in place along a section of Blakeacre Road to allow for forensic examination of the scene, which remained active until around 2:00 pm on Wednesday afternoon.
Witness Account of the Incident
A long-term resident of the street provided a detailed account of the events she witnessed from her window. Ann Svenson, 74, who has lived on the road for over four decades, was awakened by shouting at about 1:30 am.
She described seeing four men dressed entirely in black surrounding another man who was on the ground. "The man on the floor was being held either side by two men and he was then dragged across the floor," she explained.
The witness stated that after the man got up, two of the assailants fled in the direction of Marsden Road. The location of the fourth individual was unclear. She also noted that a window at a nearby block of flats was smashed during the commotion.
The man who had been on the floor was covered in blood. He shouted 'they tried to kill me, help me' but I couldn't see where he went.
– Ann Svenson, Blakeacre Road resident
Following the man's plea for help, police vehicles arrived at the scene and began a thorough search of the surrounding grounds and properties.
Understanding Section 18 Wounding
The arrest was made on suspicion of Section 18 wounding with intent, which is an offence under the Offences against the Person Act 1861. It refers to unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) to a person with the intent to do so. It is one of the most serious forms of assault and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Police Investigation Leads to Arrest
Merseyside Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the assault. As a result of initial inquiries, officers arrested a 43-year-old man from Liverpool.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of section 18 wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was taken into custody, where he is currently being questioned by detectives.
Photographs from the scene on Wednesday showed smashed glass scattered on the pavement outside a residential property, along with a visibly damaged window pane, corroborating the witness's account. Forensic officers were seen examining the area for evidence.
Appeal for Public Assistance
While an arrest has been made, the police investigation is still in its early stages. Detectives are urging anyone who may have information about the incident to come forward to help identify everyone involved.
Detective Inspector Steve Byrom is leading the investigation. He stressed the importance of community cooperation in understanding the full picture of what occurred.
Although we have made an arrest, we urge anyone with information to get in touch as we look to identify everyone involved in this incident. A man remains in hospital with a serious head injury and we are determined to find out exactly what happened.
– Detective Inspector Steve Byrom, Merseyside Police
DI Byrom made a specific appeal to local residents and drivers who may have captured crucial evidence unknowingly. "I ask residents and motorists to please check your CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam for any footage which may help the investigation,ā he added.
How to Report Information
- Contact Merseyside Police's social media desk on X (formerly Twitter) @MerPolCC or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook, quoting crime reference number 25000826536.
- Report information online via the Merseyside Police website.
- Call the non-emergency number 101.
- To remain 100% anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- In an emergency, always dial 999.
Police have assured the community that any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be vital to the investigation.