A 56-yr-old man stabbed and robbed of his bike in Formby tonight

Merseyside Police can confirm that two 14 year-old boys have been arrested in connection with the assault of a cyclist in Formby on Monday night, 13th March.

The 56-year-old victim was cycling along Hoggs Hill Lane when he was attacked shortly before 6pm. It is believed that two youths stepped out in front of him and knocked him off his bike. During the incident he received a small puncture wound to his torso, believed to have been caused by a knife. The two offenders fled the scene, one on the man’s bike.

A woman walking her dog came to the man’s aid and called 999.

Paramedics treated the man at scene before taking him to Aintree University Hospital in Fazakerley for treatment. His injury is not life-threatening.

Officers carried out an extensive search of the area and patrols arrested a 14-year-old male on suspicion of wounding and robbery at Hightown train station.

Enquiries continued during the evening in order to trace the second suspect and a further 14 year old male was arrested at his home address shortly before 10pm. Both will now be questioned by detectives.

The victim’s pedal bike was located abandoned a short distance away from where the robbery took place and a search by a police dog led to a knife being recovered.

Detective Inspector Sue Hinds from Marsh Lane CID said: “This was a highly unusual incident for this area and we are taking it extremely seriously. Patrols were quickly at the scene to search for this man’s attackers and I’m pleased to say that two people have already been arrested. Officers with police dogs and the police helicopter were also deployed and in addition to the arrests, the victim’s bike and the possible weapon used in the incident have also been recovered. Although we believe he has been stabbed he is expected to make a full physical recovery. I am grateful to the dog walker who went to his aid and called 999 immediately. This is an isolated incident but clearly a worrying one for local people who use this path and I can assure you that local patrols will be stepped up in the area in the coming days to reassure the community.”