Councillor calls for knife crime awareness after 'horrific' stabbing

As the Star reported, a 16-year-old boy was stabbed in the arm in Earlestown on Monday evening, August 8 in an "unprovoked attack".

At around 9.40pm, officers received a report that a 16-year-old boy had been attacked by "two males" in a park known as The Dingle, off Earle Street.

During the attack, the victim was stabbed in the arm and was taken to hospital where he remains for ongoing treatment to his injury.

The two suspects, who left the area on an electric bike, are described as being aged between 18 and 19, with slim builds, and were around 6ft tall and wore dark clothing.

READ > Motorbike stolen in burglary was involved in collision days later

A police investigation into the stabbing is ongoing.

Following the incident, Independent councillor for Newton-le-Willows West Terry Maguire, called for more co-operation on education over knife crime and raised concerns over reduced policing numbers in the area. 

Cllr Maguire said: "It is quite horrific and very worrying that a stabbing of a young boy took place around the Dingle area in Earlestown. 

"Although the wounds were not life-threatening an inch either way and it could have been a different story. 

"A very traumatic experience for the youngster and the family, I hope they get the support they need to overcome it."

He also raised concerns over knife crime and called for an awareness campaign across the borough.

The Star has reported on several incidents involving knife crime during 2023 across St Helens.

Cllr Terry Maguire (Image: St Helens Council)

Cllr Maguire said: "I am very concerned about this knife culture that appears to be plaguing our nation, we need to educate our children as they grow about the dangers of knives, the consequences of using them and even the consequence of being caught with a knife in their possession. 

"I know the Daniel Fox Foundation do a strong presentation on this subject and I would implore all schools to get in touch with them to deliver one to their pupils; they deliver two levels of presentations, one for primary and one for secondary. 

"We need to make children aware that it is not tough or hard to carry a knife, in fact it makes you a weaker person for carrying one, those that brag about carrying knives need to be reported, if you know someone that does, report them anonymously to Crimestoppers, you can be proud of yourself for reporting them because you may have saved someone's life by doing so.   

"We need to work together, police, schools, council, councillors and all other associated services, let's have a knife awareness campaign across our borough to educate before these incidents become more widespread, to educate is the only way to change.

"More police, more outreach work, more education, less crime."