Woman seriously injured after two stabbed in garden

Forensic officers remain at the scene, as the police investigation continues

A woman who was stabbed in a residential area on Wednesday afternoon, leading armed police to shoot the suspected attacker, remains in hospital in a serious condition.

The woman, who is in her 50s, suffered serious injuries to her face, back and arms in the attack in a rear garden in Huyton, during which a man in his 20s was also hurt.

Armed response police were called to the house in Tobruk Road, on the Bluebell estate, at about 16:25 BST on Wednesday, where they shot a man in his 30s.

The suspect remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital, where he is being treated for an injury to his abdomen.

Officers were called to the Tobruk Road area shortly before 16:30 BST on Wednesday

Neighbour Colin Hardy, 54, said he heard "lots of screaming and shouting" and "what I thought was gunfire".

"It went quiet for a while, then the police helicopter came over and I could hear police telling people to get back in their houses," he said.

Kelly Tumbare, 36, who was also close by at the time of the incident on Wednesday, described "about eight police cars and lots of commotion in the street, with neighbours and a very strong police presence".

Merseyside Police said officers believe the altercation was an isolated incident.

Merseyside Police Knowsley Sup Int Karl Baldwin said police believe the victims and the suspect "were known to each other".

"I want to reassure people that this was an isolated incident and we are not looking for anyone else.

"We will have increased patrols in the area in the coming days, and I encourage residents to come to speak to our officers with any concerns or information they might have."

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has begun an independent investigation into the shooting.

Armed officers shot the suspected attacker amid reports of a double stabbing