Teen assaulted and sprayed with unknown substance

A teenager is in a critical condition in hospital after three attackers wearing face coverings burst into a house and sprayed him with an unknown substance, police have said.

It happened at about 19:30 GMT on Saturday at a property on Harrow Road in the Anfield area of Liverpool, said Merseyside Police.

The force said the 16-year-old boy, who also suffered slash wounds, was taken to hospital by emergency services where he remains critically ill. Tests are being carried out to identify the substance used.

Detectives, who believe "three males" were responsible for the "targeted attack", appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

Police said the teenager suffered slash wounds to his head, back and buttocks during the assault.

Det Insp Michael Fletcher said: "An investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances of this incident, but at this early stage we believe it to be a targeted attack.

"The incident has left a 16-year-old boy in hospital in a critical condition and officers are supporting his family at this time.

"We understand the community will be rightly concerned by this incident, but please be assured that we are determined to find the three males involved."

He said the suspects were wearing tracksuits, had face coverings and spoke with Liverpool accents.

The detective added: "If you live in the area or were driving through at the time of the incident, please review your CCTV or dashcam footage to see if you captured anything that could help our enquiries."

Footage which may help with the investigation can be uploaded on the Merseyside Police website.

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