Horrified parents grabbed their children and ran after a man pulled out a machete and chased someone in a busy skate park.
Merseyside Police confirmed to the ECHO that officers yesterday received reports that a man was seen with a knife in Newsham Park, Tuebrook. It was reported that a group of men were seen with machetes during an altercation in the park at around 2.50pm, Sunday, May 21.
One witness said: "We just witnessed a guy pull out a machete-style knife and chase someone over the skate park trying to stab them. The skate park was full of young kids enjoying the sunshine.
READ MORE: Body of mum found by dog walker years after disappearance
"I've never been so frightened in my life. Who on earth is carrying a weapon like this to the park?" The witness added the blade "must have been at least 13 or 14 inches long".
The ECHO understands Newsham Park was full of young children and families who were enjoying the 20C weather. Following the incident parents grabbed their children and fled the park after the violent thug pulled out the weapon.
Officers attended Newsham Park following the incident yesterday afternoon. Witnesses said the police were on the scene in minutes. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "Officers searched the area and saw no evidence of any weapons or disorder in the area."
Last week marked Operation Sceptre - a national campaign to tackle knife crime and make communities safer. The week saw enhanced activity including weapons sweeps, open land searches, stop searches and community outreach with young people and partners.
In Merseyside, January 2023 saw the lowest level of knife crime since April 2020 and the lowest level of serious violence since February 2021. But the area has been devastated by isolated incidents of extreme violence, including five gun murders, and the knife killing of 12-year-old Ava White by a teenage boy in November 2021.
Detective Sergeant Andy Uren said: "Reducing knife crime in Merseyside is a priority for the force all year round. Both serious violence and knife crime are falling in Merseyside, but we know there is still work to do. Our officers will immediately respond to any incidents of knife crime and are committed in removing anyone who stores, carries and uses weapons through proactive use of stop and search powers, open land searches, warrants and education work alongside partners.
"We will continue to seek out those involved in knife crime, enticing young and vulnerable people to carry weapons or involved in gangs, but we also need your support. Any information you have about knife crime in your area, will help us tackle these issues head on, and work with partners to understand the root causes of knife crime, carrying a weapon and serious violence, so please contact police."
Anyone with information about crimes in your area is asked to call 101, DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
READ NEXT:
Body of mum found by dog walker years after disappearance
Ginger has escaped and she could be anywhere
Land in offshore trust worth £400k sold by Liverpool Council to Elliot Lawless for £18k
Woman, 23, who spurred Peter Kay to come out of retirement dies
John Lewis shoppers praise £24 dress that's a 'summer classic'
