Police have confirmed that three men had suffered stab wounds after the incident in Merseyside. At around 7.20pm on Sunday evening, emergency services were called to the area.

Merseyside Police said the men were taken to hospital by air ambulance.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, a witness said a man was struck with an axe and a Samurai sword during the fight at the National Trust beach.

They said: “The lad who was losing the fight pulled out an axe and hit the other lad with it.

“His mate then pulled out a samurai sword and used that too. It was bad.”

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Detective Superintendent Mark Baker said: “At this early stage we believe that these incidents are linked, but are keeping an open mind as to the motives behind them.

“However, we know the community of Formby and beyond will be alarmed to hear about what has happened and will share our determination to find those responsible and remove them from the streets.

“Officers remain at the scene and are available to support any residents looking for information or support.

“I know that there were a number of people on the beach this evening, and I’d like to urge anyone who saw what happened to come forward and help us to identify the offender as soon as possible.

“It is appalling and sad that on a sunny day like today when people have been out enjoying themselves we are patrolling our beaches after such a horrific incident. Knife crime has no place whatsoever in our communities and we’re doing everything we can to bring the offender to justice.”