Emergency services responded rapidly to a violent incident at the Bootle Strand shopping centre on the evening of January 22, 2024. A man suffered serious injuries after reportedly being attacked with an axe. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as paramedics treated the victim, who sustained significant wounds to his head.
Police were alerted to the incident around 17:45 local time, following reports of a man with injuries consistent with a bladed weapon. The victim was found with extensive bandaging on his head and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
The attack reportedly took place near a local bingo hall, with witnesses providing harrowing accounts of the aftermath. One shop worker recounted, “I was working and the fella came in and there was blood everywhere; he looked like he’d been hit in the side of his face with an axe.”
Another employee from a nearby restaurant corroborated this account, stating, “We saw it all. A person was hit in the head with an axe. There was lots of blood. Paramedics came and bandaged his head up.”
In response to the incident, a large cordon was established by officers around the shopping centre, which included multiple shops and restaurants. Forensic teams began house-to-house inquiries and reviewed CCTV footage to gather more information about the attack. Blood was visible on the ground near a bench, prompting officers to take photographs of the scene.
Detective Inspector Sara Lang emphasized the importance of public assistance in their investigation: “These are the early stages of our investigation, and it is paramount that we speak to anyone who saw or has since heard anything about this assault as we look to establish the circumstances and find those responsible.”
Lang urged the public to avoid the area near the bingo hall while investigative work continued. Police are appealing for information and encourage anyone with relevant details to reach out via @MerPolCC on X or Facebook, or by calling 101 and quoting reference number 720. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
The violent nature of this incident has left the community in shock, highlighting concerns over safety in public spaces. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are dedicated to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
