APPEAL FOR WITNESSES - STABBING & ASSAULT - RICE LANE, WALTON

MERSEYSIDE Police this week are appealing for witnesses to the stabbing and assault of two men at a public house on Rice Lane, Walton, on Friday, 23 January 2009.

Merseyside Police said that:- "At around 11.30pm officers were called to reports of a fight at Joe Orr's public house. Following an altercation with a group of at least four men a 22 year old man was stabbed. When his 23 year old friend intervened he was punched in the head by another member of the group and knocked unconscious.

Shortly after the group of men left the pub a dark Volkswagen Golf was seen driving in the direction of Walton Vale.

The offender armed with a knife is described as white, of stocky build with short dark hair and was wearing a dark coloured top, tracksuit bottoms and jacket.

The second offender is described as white, between 20 and 30 years old, of stocky build with a shaved head and was wearing a dark jacket with a light coloured hooded top underneath it, light coloured tracksuit bottoms and dark trainers.

The first victim was taken to hospital with a punctured lung and a laceration to his face. He is in a stable condition. The second victim suffered bruising and swelling to his head.

Detectives are keen to speak to a group of women who were sat at a table nearby at the time of the attack and the woman who tended to the stab victim as he lay on the floor. They would also like to talk to a bald man aged between 40 and 50 years old who witnessed the attack."

Anyone who saw the attack or the Volkswagen Golf is asked to call detectives on 0151 777 4564 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

APPEAL FOR INFORMATION - INCIDENT CASTLEGATE GROVE

MERSEYSIDE Police have issued an appeal for information following an incident on Castlegate Grove, West Derby, in the early hours of Monday, 26 January, 2009.

Just after midnight police were called to a report of a stabbing. When they arrived they found a 26 year old man who had suffered stab wounds.

It is believed that the victim was walking along Castlegate Grove, West Derby, when he was approached by a number of men who attacked him.

During the assault the victim received a number of stab wounds to his back and sides. He has been taken to hospital where he is being treated for his injuries. His condition is described as stable.

Officers are following up a number or positive lines of inquiry and believe the assault may have followed an argument earlier in the evening. The attack is believed to have been targeted.

Crime Scene Investigators have carried out forensic examinations at the scene and house to house inquiries are taking place. Patrols have been stepped up in the area to reassure the local community.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who may be able to help them with their inquiries to contact Lower Lane CID on 0151 777 4565, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

DISTRACTION BURGLARY IN BOOTLE

MERSEYSIDE Police are investigating a distraction burglary that took place in Bootle on Tuesday, 20 January 2009.

Between noon and 12.20pm, a 78 year old woman answered the door of her house on Aintree Road to a man.

The man claimed there was an imminent explosion and said she should go into her kitchen so that he could stop the water.

The woman let the man in, who has then told her to empty out the cupboard under the kitchen sink.

Meanwhile, he has searched the house and stolen a quantity of cash from the woman's bedroom before making his excuses and leaving.

The offender is described as a white man, about 30 years old, of slim build with short, dark, curly hair and dressed in navy blue clothes. He spoke with a West country accent.

The elderly victim has been left extremely distressed by the incident and Merseyside Police is urging residents to be wary of bogus officials.

Detective Constable Dave Hale, said:- "Most callers at your home are genuine but some are not and it's important that communities keep an eye out for one another and for elderly neighbours in particular and report any suspicious behaviour to the police."

There are steps that can be taken by residents to reduce their chances of becoming a victim. These are:-

► The best defence against a doubtful caller is to have a viewer or spy hole in the door and a strong door chain.

► Always make sure visitors are who they say they are by asking to see their identity card.

► If you are in any doubt about who they are, phone the company and check. If you do this don't use the number on their card, look in the phone book for it. Ask the person to wait outside while you check and never leave the front door open.

► If the caller leaves and you are still unsure about their credibility write down any details of the person who has called at your house, including registration numbers of cars they are travelling in, and contact the local police station.

► If anyone in anyway suspects a caller they should contact the police immediately.

► If someone is offering to do repair work on the house, the home owner should ask for credentials and recommendations and should follow up on any information handed to them.


Anyone with information is asked to contact Sefton CID on 0151 777 3168 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Liverpool One Shopping Centre

LIVERPOOL One shopping centre was cordoned off from the Odeon cinema escalators to the Disney store for investigations, on Monday, 26 January 2009, after an accident. A North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) spokeswoman informed the press that the Emergency services were called to the front of the Disney store on South John Street at 9:32am GMT after a man, in his 40's, fell 9.1m (30ft) from a first floor balcony at the shopping complex. The man was rushed to Royal Liverpool Hospital with multiple injuries, but later died. Merseyside Police are interviewing shoppers and reviewing CCTV as part of their inquiry.