A MAN has been arrested after a teenager was stabbed close to two Wirral sports clubs. 

Merseyside Police said they are appealing for information following the stabbing in Wallasey in the early hours of this morning (Sunday, February 4). 

Shortly before 1am it was reported that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed on Cross Lane on land between Ashville FC and Wallasey RUFC. 

Emergency services attended and took the victim to hospital for slash wounds to his arm and abdomen which are not life-threatening. 

A 21-year-old man from Woodchurch has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding with intent, affray, and possession of a bladed article. He is still in police custody to be questioned.

An investigation is underway with CCTV and witness enquiries being carried out in the local area, and detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Detective Inspector Sam Davies said: “Although a man has been arrested, we are still appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to please get in touch.

“We are aware that there were two separate parties taking place at the two venues – Ashville Football Club and at Wallasey Rugby Club, both off Cross Lane.

“We also understand that the assault took place on Cross Lane shortly after both functions had finished, and that a number of people attending both venues may have witnessed the stabbing take place.

“If you witnessed the disturbance or the stabbing or were driving past the area and have dashcam footage, then please get in touch as it could be vital to our enquiries.”

Following the incident, Ashville FC released a statement.

A spokesman for the club said: "Ashville Football Club have been made aware of a horrific attack which saw a young man get stabbed in the vicinity of Ray Parker Stadium and Wallasey Rugby Club at approximately 1am this morning (Sunday, February 4).

"The club have been made aware of a Merseyside Police statement that suggested that the incident may of been related to a function being held at Ray Parker Stadium on Saturday night.

"Our function finished at around 11:30-11:45pm and we are happy to confirm that there were no issues with any of our guests and that the venue was cleared and locked up long before the attack took place.

"As this is an active police investigation, it would be improper of Ashville Football Club to discuss the matter further.

"We would, however, urge Merseyside Police to amend their statement to avoid our wonderful club being the victims of misinterpretation. Inaccuracies such as these can cause clubs, businesses and venues to lose public trust which in turn has a damaging effect on bookings and event attendance, our two biggest sources of income.

"With that being said, we are stronger together and the club are helping Merseyside Police with their enquiries and we hope the offender is brought to justice for their heinous crime.

"Ashville Football Club would like to place on record that we are vehemently opposed to crime and violence of any kind.

"We remain dedicated in the fight to eradicate knife crime from not only our community, but the nation as a whole. There is never a good reason to carry a knife and those who do carry them only seek to bring pain and devastation to our communities.

"If anyone has any information that may help Merseyside Police in their enquiries please contact Merseyside Police on social media quoting 24000144521 or for those who wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"Your information helps to catch and keep these dangerous individuals off our streets so we urge anyone with information to come forward and do the right thing.

"Being a criminal isn't 'cool' or 'fun' and neither is helping them. Let's eradicate this culture of silence and make our communities safe and pain free once again."