Assault yards from youth centre Meghan and Harry visited hours earlier

A vicious assault happened right outside the youth centre which Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had visited hours earlier.

The royal couple watched a dance performance and spoke to young people at The Hive Wirral Youth Zone in Birkenhead, Merseyside, today.

But hours later, police dashed to the area to investigate an assault, believed to have caused serious injury to at least one person.

Worried passersby told Liverpool Echo they had seen blood on the floor near a Jaguar four-by-four

Forensic officers were seen searching pathways in the area.

At least four police cars were pictured at the scene of the incident.

Rush-hour traffic has become very busy in the area as a result of the investigation.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "An investigation is underway following an assault on Bright Street, Birkenhead, shortly before 3pm this afternoon.

"Detectives are currently at the scene and we are appealing to anyone with information to DM @MerPolCC, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 0565 of 14 January 2019. More information will follow shortly."

The royal couple had met hundreds of fans around one mile away at Hamilton Square, after their visit to the youth facility.

They were seen chatting to well-wishers, including excited kids.

Meghan was today snapped cuddling large teddy bears, and receiving toys and flowers from well-wishers as she prepares for motherhood.

Pictured holding her baby bump, Meghan smiled and chatted to well-wishers during her first royal engagement of the year.

She wore a £107 purple Maxwell frock by Aritzia, a £1,085 Sentaler coat and clutched a £1,950 Gabriela Heart bag for her trip to talk to organisations that support and empower women.

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