A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a fatal stabbing in Birkenhead this afternoon.

Police and ambulance crews were called to Whetstone Lane at around 2.40pm after a 32-year-old man was found with multiple stab wounds.

He was taken to hospital for treatment and later pronounced dead. His next of kin are in the process of being informed

A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody.

A nearby resident told the Globe there were 11 police cars at the scene and four ambulances. The air ambulance was also called.

Chief Inspector Jason Crellin, of Merseyside Police, said: "Our investigation is at an extremely early stage and we are trying to establish exactly what happened.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously around the area of Whetstone Lane this afternoon.

"If you have home CCTV or dashcam footage and were in the vicinity of Whetstone Lane, please check the footage as you may hold evidence which could assist with the investigation.

"As always, our communities are vital to tackling knife crime, which can clearly have devastating consequences.

"I would like to reassure the local community that incidents like this are rare and would ask anyone with information to come forward."

Forensic enquiries are being carried out and patrols are currently in the area to provide a high-visibility reassurance and to make extensive CCTV, house-to-house and witness enquiries.

Anyone with information on the incident can contact Merseyside Police's social media desk quoting reference 555 of Friday, 30 March 2018, via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC.

People can also call the 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Information can also be provided online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online.