Man stabbed twice the back in front of horrified Christmas shoppers at Liverpool shoe store Man was in Size? in the city centre at 12.10pm when he was followed by trio He was taken to hospital after his attackers thought to have escaped in a car Police believe the attack was targeted and have appealed for witnesses A man has been stabbed twice in the back while surrounded by Christmas Eve crowds in a shoe shop. He was taken to hospital after being attacked by three men who are thought to have followed him into Size? in Liverpool city centre this lunchtime. The trio are said to have run off before escaping in a car, leaving the crowds packed into the shop shocked. Stabbing: Christmas Eve shoppers were horrified when a man was stabbed in the back in this Liverpool shop Police were called to the shop and it was forced to close after the attack at about 12.10pm. Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward. They believe it was not a random assault. A 55-year-old man from the Knotty Ash area of Liverpool has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and remains in custody for questioning. Detective Inspector Dave Whittle, of Merseyside Police, said: 'The victim has suffered two stab wounds to his back during the incident and is now receiving treatment in hospital. Shocked: Christmas shoppers in Liverpool city centre yesterday (file photo) Busy: The shop was in Bold Street in Liverpool city centre. The city is pictured full of shoppers yesterday The attack happened in the final hours of pre-Christmas shopping. Pictured: Liverpool yesterday This happened in a very busy part of the city centre on Christmas Eve and I understand people may be concerned but I want to reassure them that incidents such as this are, thankfully, rare and we are doing everything we can to bring the people responsible to justice. Our investigation is still in its early stages and we are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, but at this stage we believe the attack was targeted. 'There were lots of people in the area at the time and if you witnessed the incident and haven't come forward yet, we really need to speak to you.' If you have any information dial 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.