Police are examining CCTV footage taken in the store.

The Primark branch was immediately closed after the attack while statements were taken from staff in an upstairs office, but it reopened again about two hours later.

One shopkeeper near the store said: “He’s a well known face around here, so we’re wishing him well.”

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: “Officers were called at around 11.15am yesterday to reports that a 43-year-old man had been stabbed inside the store.

“The man was taken to hospital, where his condition is described as stable.”

The attacker is described as white , around 5ft 10intall and of stocky build, with a Mancunian accent.

It is thought that the offender made off on foot through the Cherry Tree shopping centre following the attack.

Police say at this early stage of the investigation the motive for the attack is unclear.

A Primark spokesman said: "We can confirm that there was an incident at the Wallasey Primark store yesterday morning, where an employee of Brooknight Security was injured.

“The police are investigating and have our full co-operation.”

Police said that patrols had been stepped up in the area and officers were still speaking with witnesses.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 0151 777 2263 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.