Appeal after house shot at in Bootle

Detectives are appealing for information after a gun was fired at a house in Bootle this evening (Monday 15 July).

At around 5.15pm, it was reported a male - who was pillion passenger on a motorbike ridden by another male - fired once in the direction of a house on Hawthorne Road, near its junction with Benedict Street. The bike was then ridden away along Benedict Street.

The rider was described as wearing a black helmet while the passenger, who was all in black, was not wearing a helmet.

Officers are in attendance and have located a bullet casing, but no damage has been found and no-one has reported being injured. Enquiries are currently ongoing with local hospitals to establish whether anyone has presented with injuries consistent with a firearms discharge.

A scene has been established to allow for further forensic examination of the scene, while officers are carrying out house-to-house enquiries and providing reassurance.

Hawthorne Road is closed between Beatrice Street and Olivia Street to allow for those enquiries to continue and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

Chief Inspector Jay Crellin said: “Our investigation into this incident is in its very early stages, and I appeal to anyone who was in the area and saw or heard anything to speak to us so we can piece together exactly what happened and bring the offenders to justice.

“This happened in daylight, at peak hour and on a busy road, and we believe it is very likely the offenders or part of the incident itself would have been captured on dashcam or CCTV. We urge anyone who was in the area at the time to consider whether they may have footage that could help our investigation, and get in touch.

“If you saw anyone acting suspiciously, the incident itself, or someone making off on a motorbike or on foot, come forward.”

Chief Insp Crellin added: “I want to reassure the community in Bootle that we will act on all information we are given to find the person responsible.

“We share your determination to keep the community safe and ask that you help us to make sure those responsible for this incident are taken off the streets.

“Call us directly, or via the charity Crimestoppers, which is completely independent of the police, and what you tell us will be handled with sensitivity.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 19100382007 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.