Police are hunting three men after a stabbing outside one of Liverpool’s best-known LGBTQ+ venues left three people injured in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Merseyside Police were called to Tithebarn Street shortly after 6.30 am on 20 September, where three men were found injured following an incident believed to have started at nearby G-Bar on Eberle Street.
All three were taken to hospital.
One remains in hospital in a stable condition, while the others have since been assessed and treated.
Police say a knife was recovered at the scene and is undergoing forensic examination.
Police Seeking Three Men
Detectives now believe the incident began with an altercation between two groups inside G-Bar before continuing outside.
Officers are trying to trace three white male suspects, aged between their late teens and early 30s.
Extensive CCTV, forensic and witness enquiries are underway.
Detective Chief Inspector Lisa McNaughton said police understood the concern caused by such a serious incident and were working to identify those responsible.
“We have spoken to a number of witnesses already, but if you haven’t yet spoken to police and may have seen any part of this incident, we would urge you to come forward,” she said.
Police have also increased their presence in the surrounding area while the investigation continues.
No Evidence Of Hate Crime At This Stage
Because the stabbing took place outside G-Bar, a longstanding LGBTQ+ venue in Liverpool’s Pride Quarter, the incident quickly prompted concern among queer locals.
However, Merseyside Police have stressed that investigators have so far found no evidence suggesting an anti-LGBTQ+ hate motive.
“While the incident happened outside a known LGBTQ+ bar, I want to reassure that community that there is no suggestion from our enquiries so far that the incident has a hate crime element,” McNaughton said.
That distinction is important.
The attack took place within a significant LGBTQ+ nightlife area, but police currently believe it arose from an altercation rather than someone being targeted because of their sexuality or gender identity.
The investigation remains ongoing.
G-Bar Is A Longstanding Queer Venue
G-Bar has been part of Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene for decades and is promoted as one of the city’s longest-running LGBTQ+ clubs.
Eberle Street and the surrounding Stanley Street area form part of Liverpool’s Pride Quarter, home to several queer bars, clubs and community venues.
That history helps explain why news of violence outside the venue caused immediate alarm.
For many LGBTQ+ people, queer nightlife spaces are more than somewhere to drink or dance.
They can be places where people feel safe expressing themselves openly, particularly when that same freedom is not always guaranteed elsewhere.
Police say they will continue working with the community while enquiries progress.
Witnesses Urged To Come Forward
Anyone who saw the incident, was inside G-Bar shortly beforehand or captured relevant footage is being asked to contact Merseyside Police.
McNaughton said the consequences could have been considerably worse and promised officers would continue pursuing those responsible.
“If you saw or captured any part of this incident, let us know as your information could help ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” she said.
The three suspects remain at large.
