POLICE have declared a major incident in Southport, with a ‘number of casualties reported’.

Merseyside Police has confirmed armed officers attended the seaside town this morning, Monday.

This followed reports of eight people receiving stab injuries, with a man detained and a knife seized.

The force is urging people to avoid the area while officers deal with the incident, with ‘no wider threat to the public’ reported.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: “We can confirm that emergency services are in Southport following a major incident this morning, Monday.

“At around 11.50am, we were called to a property on Hart Street to reports of a stabbing.

“There are a number of reported casualties and more details will be confirmed when possible.

“Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station.

“Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public.

 “Follow us for further updates.”

North West Ambulance Service said: “North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is responding to a major incident following a call at 11.48am to Hart Street in Southport following reports of multiple stabbings.

“We have dispatched 13 ambulances along with specialised resources of our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), air ambulance and merit doctors to the scene.

“So far, NWAS has treated eight patients with stab injuries who have been taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Aintree University Hospital and Southport and Formby Hospital.”