A man “wearing a balaclava” and carrying a knife has been arrested in Southport this evening, mere yards from a vigil being held for the children killed in yesterday’s horrific stabbing attack.
Merseyside Police confirmed that a 32-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed article. Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy condemned knife crime in the aftermath of the “swift arrest.
A police statement detailed the incident: “We have arrested a man and seized a flick knife following an incident in Southport this evening. A report was received at 6.50 pm that a man had been seen with a knife on Eastbank Street. Officers attended and a man was detained at around 6.55pm, and a flick knife was recovered. There are no reports anyone was injured during the incident.”
The arrested man, who hails from Standish, was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of a bladed article.
Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said, “We know too well the devastating impact knife crime can have for victims, their families and friends, and those who carry them. This week has seen an unspeakable tragedy unfold in Southport, and this incident occurred a short distance from where a vigil had been happening where the community was paying their respects to all those affected.
Mulcahy praised the rapid response of the officers, saying, “Officers made a swift arrest and have seized a knife that could have been used to cause harm in our communities. Those offenders who carry them have no place whatsoever in our communities. Every day we carry out stop checks, warrants, and land searches to take knives off our streets, but as this incident shows, the assistance of members of the public in telling us where they are stored and who is carrying them is vital to ensure the safety of families and residents.
The arrest took place against the backdrop of a large vigil attended by thousands in Southport, where the community gathered to mourn and pay their respects to the victims of the recent stabbing attack.
As the investigation continues, Merseyside Police are urging anyone with information about knife crime to come forward and help ensure the safety of the community
