Detectives renew appeal for gang responsible for Skelmersdale knife attack

Jan 20 2011 by Tom Duffy, Skelmersdale Advertiser

A MAN was stabbed in the back during a gang attack in a Skelmersdale subway.

The 45-year-old victim suffered multiple knife wounds in the broad daylight assault on Friday afternoon.

The violence took place in the subway that runs under Tanhouse Road, yards from Hillside Health Centre.

Lancashire Constabulary taped off the crime scene on Friday afternoon, blocking both pedestrian entrances to the graffiti covered subway that leads in to the Tanhouse estate.

The victim was taken to hospital where his condition was described as stable. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Detectives are now appealing for help in finding the group of men responsible for the targeted knife attack.

Police declined to comment on whether the 12.30pm attack was linked to drugs and a spokesman would only confirm their investigation was 'ongoing.'

A woman who lives in the neighbourhood, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I often walk through this subway and it is a haven for drug dealers.

“You see them huddled around together, passing things around and whispering.

“I do think this passageway should be lit better at night, which would make members of the public feel a lot safer as they walk through the area.

“I heard the area was cordoned off on Friday but I just thought it was kids.”

Staff at Hillside Health Centre said they were unaware of the incident.

Detective Sergeant Dave Webb said, “I would appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward and contact us.

“This is a very nasty incident and the people responsible need to be caught.

“Should anyone have any other information that can assist this investigation then they should contact Lancashire police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting LC-20110114-0617.”