Teen arrested over Liverpool stabbing

4 July 2018, 13:18 | Updated: 4 July 2018, 13:20

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 16-year-old was stabbed to death.

Merseyside Police said the teenager, from Gateacre in Liverpool, was being interviewed following the incident in Belle Vale Road.

Officers were called to the scene, opposite a field near a disused railway bridge, at about 9pm on Tuesday evening.

The injured boy was taken to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Residents of the leafy street in Gateacre said the incident happened as England prepared to take penalties in their World Cup match against Colombia.

Neighbour Darcy Hartley, 74, said she heard raised voices outside at about 9pm.

"I was just watching the game and I heard the noise," she said. "It sounded like a large group of boys. Then a lot of police turned up.

"I walk my dog every day and I usually see boys smoking in the path which leads to the park.

"Sometimes they fight amongst each other."

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I only realised something was happening when I saw police and paramedics.

"It was just near the end of the match, before the penalties.

"I went out and had a look and could see the lad being treated by paramedics just over the road.

"It's terrible, it seems to be getting worse. Life is cheap these days, with people carrying knives around."

On Wednesday morning, a large section of the road, which runs past a park, was cordoned off and a blue forensic tent was in the road.

Forensic officers were examining the area.

Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Green said: "We are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone who might have any information on this tragic incident.

"We are asking anyone who saw the incident itself, or anything suspicious in the vicinity of Belle Vale Road, and the field opposite Woodholme Court around 9pm last night, to come forward.

"In particular, we would like to speak to a male and female who we believe administered first aid to the victim shortly after the incident.

"We also want to appeal to anyone who was passing through Belle Vale Road at around 9pm who may have dash-cam footage showing any of the events before or after incident."

Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolHQ, call 101 with reference 1295 or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555111.