Four men arrested in connection with an attack on a convicted loan shark in Prenton have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Gerald Daord, 54, remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital after the assault in Hampton Chase on Wednesday.

Detectives are waiting to speak to him about the incident.

In August of 2012, Mr Daord was discovered running an illegal money-lending business from his home and was jailed for 16 months.

During his trial at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that police who raided his home found notebooks detailing loans of more than £80,000.

But the judge who sentenced him pointed out the true scale of the operation was difficult to assess.

Some of the loans ran into thousands of pounds and one for £500 had a repayment figure of £850.

On Thursday, four men aged 18, 20, 25 and 28 were arrested on suspicion of assault.

Police say a 28-year-old man presented himself at hospital with slash wounds to his neck and face.

He received treatment and was subsequently arrested and has now been bailed.

Inquiries have also led to a blue Audi car and a knife being recovered for examination.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about it should contact Wirral CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.