Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder as ‘victim in his 20s is stabbed in gym’ & cops rush to evacuate building

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a ‘victim in his 20s was brutally slashed across the face at the gym’.

Cops arrived after a man was savagely knifed inside David Lloyd leisure centre, off Speke Road in Woolton, Liverpool, at just after 6pm.

The victim was rushed to hospital as officers emergency evacuated the building, as reported by LiverpoolEcho.

Merseyside Police confirmed a man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

He remains in police custody as investigations continue.

The force believe it to be a targeted attack.

A heavy police presence remains in place at the scene this evening with a cordon set up outside.

Chief Inspector Neal Arrowsmith said: “We are in the very early stages of investigating this incident as we look to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

“Although initial inquiries are still being carried out, we believe this was a targeted attack against the victim. To attack someone in such a violent manner is shocking and thankfully officers were able to quickly detain a suspect.

“The leisure centre would have been busy at the time of the incident, so if you witnessed what happened please come forward. Although we have made an arrest, we still need anyone with information to let us know as soon possible to assist our ongoing inquiries.

“We are determined to reduce knife crime in Merseyside our officers will look to arrest anyone who stores, carries and uses these weapons on our streets.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting log number 765 of 29th August.

Merseyside Police have been contacted for comment.