TWO men, one with knife wounds to the chest and the other to the stomach, were in hospital today after what is thought to have been an early-morning bar-room brawl in the city centre.
Police were called to Victoria Street, at around 5.25am, by paramedics who reported that two men had been stabbed.
Both men were taken to hospital and a short time later, a third turned up at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital with injuries to his face.
Police are examining CCTV in the area. Detective Inspector Graeme Robson, of Liverpool North CID, said: "Our investigation is at a very early stage and we are still trying to piece together what happened during this incident.
"We believe there may have been a disturbance in a nearby bar which then led to an altercation between a group of men on Stanley Street.
"Extra officers will be on patrol to reassure local people and we are determined to being those responsible to justice."
Scenes around Victoria Street and Stanley Street have been cordoned off whie forensic examinations of the area take place.
Det Insp Robson added: "We know that a number of people and drivers were in the area at the time and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened, or has any information which could help with our inquiries, to come forward."
Anyone with information can call detectives in St Anne Street CID on 0151 777 4044 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
POLICE STATEMENT UPDATE:
POLICE STATEMENT UPDATE:
The injuries of the man with a wound to his stomach are not believed to be life threatening. He remains in hospital where his condition is described as serious but stable.
The man with a wound to his chest is in the process of being discharged from hospital and the man who attended at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital with facial injuries has now been transferred to another hospital for further treatment.
A fourth man, who is 19-years-old and from the Old Swan area, also attended at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital with injuries to his face. He has now been discharged and has subsequently been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
A fifth man, who is 24-years-old and from Halewood, has also been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
Both men have been taken to police stations on Merseyside and will be questioned by detectives.