ARMED police have detained a man and seized a knife after a number of people were injured in a reported stabbing in Southport.

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

There are a number of reported casualties and police say 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.

Police ask people to  please avoid the area while they deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public, police say.

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said its paramedics were responding to reports of “multiple stabbings” in Southport.

An NWAS statement on social media said: “We’re attending a major incident on Hart Street, Southport following reports of multiple stabbings in which we have dispatched multiple resources.

“We’re assessing the situation and working with emergency partners.

“Please follow our channels and @MerseyPolice for further updates.”