A MAN in his 40s was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries after being stabbed near a Wirral leisure centre.

Police were called to Carr Bridge Road in Woodchurch at 8.15pm on Wednesday to reports that a man had been stabbed in the calf.

The suspect is described as white, 19 to 20 years old, of slim build and with dark hair.

The incident is believed to have happened on fields at the rear of Woodchurch Leisure Centre.

An appeal for witnesses has been launched. 

Detective Inspector Nick Suffield said: "This initially appears to have been a targeted attack and we're appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

"Thankfully the victim's injuries are not serious but all knife assaults have the potential for catastrophic consequences.

"Key to our successes in seizing weapons and carrying out warrants targeting violent crime is information from those communities who feel the impact.

"If you know where weapons, drugs and other illegal items are being stored, carried or used, come forward and we will take positive action."

Anyone with information on this incident can contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with reference 20000124629.