Police have been given extra powers after a stabbing which has left a man fighting for his life.
Merseyside Police were called to Ritson Street in Toxteth at around 10.50pm on Saturday after a report a man in his 20s had been stabbed. The suspect is reported to have left the scene.
Police confirmed emergency services attended and the victim was rushed to hospital where he remains in a critical condition. An investigation has been launched and police officers will remain in the area to carry out forensic and house-to-house inquiries.
READ MORE: Man in 20s in critical condition after late night stabbing
A Section 60 order has now been introduced in Toxteth which gives officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals in the area and is designed to minimise serious violence. The order runs from 6pm today until 6am tomorrow, Monday 6 March, and extra officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence.
The Section 60 Order covers the area bounded in the map and includes Upper Parliament Street to the junction of Mulgrave Street, Princes Avenue, Croxteth Road, Hartington Road to the junction of Smithdown Road, and all roads within this area.
Inspector Matrix Operations Emma Haffenden said: “We’re introducing this Section 60 Order as an extra response and provide us with the powers needed to stop and search people in the area following the stabbing in Ritson Street last night.
“This order is one of a number of measures we are taking to disrupt those who would assault or use weapons on anyone in the area. Such violence and the use of knives and any weapons is reckless and will not be tolerated in Merseyside.
"Extra officers will be in the area to search any individuals or groups causing such issues, and to provide reassurance to the vast majority of law-abiding people in the community. Such action isn’t about bothering anyone going about their daily business or preventing people from meeting with friends. It’s simply about taking action to reduce violence and make sure that everyone can feel safe where they live.
“Patrols have also been stepped up to reassure our residents so if you have any information on any offences in the area please speak with our officers.”
You can pass any information by calling 101, via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook with reference number 23000189295. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
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