A 16-YEAR-OLD boy has been charged following a serious incident that has left another teenager with facial injuries.

Merseyside Police were called to reports of a serious assault on the corner of Water Street and Westfield Street at about 7.50pm on Sunday, April 2.

A 15-year-old boy had suffered a "slash wound to the face" and had to be rushed to hospital for his injuries.

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16-year-old arrested and charged

St Helens Star: Police closed off Westfield Street in both directions on Sunday nightPolice closed off Westfield Street in both directions on Sunday night (Image: St Helens Star)

Police cordoned off Westfield Street in both directions as they dealt with the incident, and made an arrest of a 16-year-old boy the following day.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has now been charged with Section 18 wounding with intent.

He has also received a further charge of threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place.

Sentencing guidelines show that being found guilty of wounding with intent ranges from two years to life imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the crime.

Those who commit crimes under the age of 18 will be treated with more leniency than adults, but may still receive a sentence in custody or on licence.

'Nasty' attack leaving victim with serious injuries

St Helens Star: Star readers expressed their shock at the town centre attackStar readers expressed their shock at the town centre attack (Image: St Helens Star)

In a statement on Monday morning, Detective Inspector Barbara Hebden said: “This was a nasty attack which left a teenage boy with a serious facial injury. 

“We simply won’t stand by and allow people to carry knives and threaten the safety of themselves and others in our community."

The teenager has been scheduled to appear at Merseyside Youth remand Court this afternoon, Tuesday, April 4.