Detectives appeal for information following shots fired in Bootle

We are appealing for information after a firearms discharge in Bootle on Wednesday night (19 June 2019).

A report was received at 10pm that two shots had been fired in the direction of a group on Hawthorne Road, between its junctions with Earl Road and Sussex Street.

It was reported two males on a motorbike stopped before one of the males got off the vehicle and fired in the direction of the group.

The males were then seen to leave the area, and the motorbike was ridden south along Hawthorne Road, towards Kirkdale.

Officers attended and damage to two windows consistent with a firearms discharge has been located on the Betfred bookmakers and Best One shop on Hawthorne Road. Bullet casings have also been recovered at the scene.

Enquiries to locate the offenders are ongoing, witnesses are being spoken to and CCTV footage is being viewed.

There are no reports of anyone being injured and enquiries with local hospitals are in progress.

Detective Inspector Paul Nilsen said: “This investigation is in its very early stages, but we are treating it as a targeted shooting.

“The incident happened in a part of Hawthorne Road with shops, a pub, takeaway and bookmakers all close by.

“If you were in that area at 10pm and saw any part of this incident or the two males, who were in dark clothes and helmets, then please do the right thing and contact police or Crimestoppers.

“We are committed to tackling gun crime and bringing to justice those people who are so reckless with firearms that they would use them to fire at towards a group of people.

“We have launched a full investigation to trace the two males responsible and urge anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area, has dash-cam footage or any information, to DM @MerPolCC or call 101 quoting 19100322004."

You can also contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously via social media or on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online/