Merseyside Police have arrested a third individual in connection with a violent incident at a house party in Huyton where a young man's hand was severed. The attack, which occurred in late September, left the victim with what authorities describe as a "potentially life-changing" injury.
The latest development in the ongoing investigation saw an 18-year-old man taken into custody on suspicion of wounding with intent. He has since been released on conditional bail, joining two other teenagers previously arrested and bailed in relation to the case.
Key Takeaways
- An 18-year-old man is the third person to be arrested in the investigation.
- The incident took place at an 18th birthday party on Colin Close, Huyton.
- A young man suffered a severed hand and sought help at a nearby pub.
- Two other suspects, aged 18 and 15, were previously arrested and bailed.
- Merseyside Police confirm enquiries are ongoing into the serious assault.
Details of the Ongoing Investigation
Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest of an 18-year-old man on suspicion of section 18 wounding with intent. A spokesperson for the force stated that he has been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues. This follows the previous arrests of two other youths connected to the same incident.
The first two suspects, an 18-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy, were arrested on suspicion of section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent. Both were also released on conditional bail. The police have not yet released details on any charges as their enquiries remain active.
The focus of the investigation is an assault that took place at a residential property on Colin Close during an 18th birthday party on the night of Friday, September 26. The incident is believed to have happened shortly after midnight, leading into the early hours of Saturday, September 27.
The Night of the Incident
Reports from the scene indicate that a celebration was underway at a house on Colin Close, with neighbours confirming they saw an 18th birthday banner on the front of the property. The atmosphere reportedly changed dramatically just after midnight.
The victim, a young man, sustained a severe injury to his hand during an altercation at the party. He then fled the scene and ran across Roby Road to The Stanley Arms pub, seeking immediate help. A 17-year-old girl also suffered a minor hand injury during the disturbance.
Legal Context: Section 18 Assault
A Section 18 assault, also known as grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, is one of the most serious forms of assault under the Offences against the Person Act 1861. It involves unlawfully and maliciously causing serious physical injury to another person with the specific intention of doing so. The offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Eyewitness Accounts and Community Reaction
The incident sent shockwaves through the local community, which residents describe as typically quiet. One neighbour recalled hearing a commotion and seeing the doors of the house where the party was held "burst open" as numerous people ran out into the street.
Another resident reported seeing a large group of more than ten young people gathered in an alleyway that runs behind the houses on Colin Close, connecting Roby Road and Lawton Road, around the time the assault occurred. He noted that despite the serious nature of what happened, the rest of the night was quiet.
"I was watching TV and I just saw this large group of young people appear in the alleyway just after midnight. They were there behind the houses and there was more than 10 but I couldn't be certain how many exactly."
The scene at the house on the following day was telling, with dried blood reportedly visible on the door frame and doorstep, marking the location where the serious assault is believed to have taken place. Police cordoned off the area to conduct their forensic investigation.
The Stanley Arms Pub Provides Aid
Staff at The Stanley Arms pub played a crucial role in providing initial aid to the victim. He arrived at the pub moments before closing time, just as staff were preparing to lock the doors for the night. Witnesses described a distressing scene, with one stating the man's hand had been "cut clean off".
A spokesperson for The Stanley Arms commented on the actions of their team.
"On Friday night our team were called on to help a local member of the community who came into our venue after closing time seeking help for a serious injury. Emergency services were called and the individual received treatment."
The pub remained closed to the public on the following Saturday to allow for a professional cleaning of the premises. A witness who was present noted the severity of the situation, stating, "There was blood everywhere and the pub was seconds away from locking the doors when he ran in."
Investigation Timeline
- Friday, Sep 26: An 18th birthday party takes place on Colin Close, Huyton.
- Saturday, Sep 27 (after midnight): A serious assault occurs, leaving one man with a severed hand and a teenage girl with a minor injury.
- Post-Incident: The male victim seeks help at The Stanley Arms pub on Roby Road.
- Ongoing: Three arrests have been made: two 18-year-old men and one 15-year-old boy. All have been released on conditional bail as enquiries continue.
Police Appeal for Information
Merseyside Police have described the man's injury as "potentially life-changing" and are continuing to piece together the events of that night. Detectives are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation.
The repeated arrests and subsequent bailing of the suspects indicate a complex and ongoing enquiry. Authorities have not commented on the weapon used in the attack or a potential motive.
The investigation highlights the serious nature of violent crime and its impact on victims and the wider community. As police work continues, residents of the area are left hoping for answers and a resolution to the violent events that disturbed their neighbourhood.