He added: “The public seemed to use the service wisely, respected our staff and appreciated that we need our ambulances for real emergencies. Because of their efforts, our ambulance crews were able to deal with genuine cases of emergency medical need. I thank the public for their continuing support.”

Police were called to the bridge on King Street, Garston, at around 5am, after reports of a fight in which one teenager was stabbed and three others injured.

A 19-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment to a stab wound in the abdomen, which is not thought to be life-threatening.

A 21-year-old, 22-year-old and 18-year-old were found at the scene with injuries.

It is thought the group had been at a house party in Wellington Road.

Police are conducting house-to-house enquiries and have stepped up high- visibility patrols in the area.

In St Helens, a 32-year-old man and a 45-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of assault, after a 50-year-old man was found unconscious with serious head injuries at the back of houses on Boardmans Lane, at 11.30pm.

It is believed the man was the victim of a targeted attack.

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call 01517771565 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.

davidbartlett