A man was stabbed with a machete when he disturbed burglars next door to his Litherland home.

At around 11pm on Saturday night (March 6), the 53-year-old and his son, 27, went to investigate a neighbouring flat in Condron Road North after hearing a commotion. Police believe the pair disturbed burglars who attacked the man.

The victim was taken to hospital in a serious condition with a deep wound to his forearm. “This is believed to have been caused by a machete or a large knife.” A police spokesman said.

The man's son suffered minor injuries during the incident caused by being punched by one of the offenders.

Detective Inspector David Keegan of Sefton CID, said: “This was a dreadful and cowardly attack on an innocent man who has suffered an extremely severe wound to his arm which has required extensive surgery.

"For this reason we have not yet been able to speak to him for his account of what happened so we are looking for the community's help in tracking down the people responsible.

“We believe he and his son were simply investigating a commotion at a neighbour's home. This kind of assault is thankfully very rare but an innocent man has suffered appalling injuries as a result and his son is also extremely upset at what has happened.”

Three young men aged between 15 and 20 years were seen outside the flats at around the time of the incident and police would like to speak to them in connection with it.

“I would urge the three young men seen outside the flats at the time of this attack to make themselves known to the police and I would appeal for anyone with information to contact us,” added Inspector Keegan.

The scene of the attack has been cordoned off for forensic examination and high visibility patrols will remain in the area to reassure residents.

Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the Condron Road North area between 10.30pm and 11.30pm on Saturday, or has any other information is asked to call Copy Lane CID on 0151 777 3165 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

By Rebecca Keegan