Shots fired at house in Bootle in case of 'mistaken identity'
Patrols have been stepped up in Bootle after shots were fired at a house whilst the occupants were inside.
Shots have been fired at a house in Bootle in what is believed to be a case of mistaken identity. Officers were called to Kilburn Street shortly after 11pm last night, Thursday 28 July, following reports of damage caused to a door and window of the property.
Patrols attended and confirmed the damage was consistent with a firearms discharge. The occupants of the house, who were home at the time were not injured but have been left shaken. Neighbourhood patrols have been stepped up in the area to provide reassurance to local residents and house-to-house and CCTV enquiries have been carried out.
It is believed that two males were seen on an off-road bike in the area at the time of the incident and detectives are keen to trace them or anyone who saw them in the area. Detective Inspector Richie Jones said: "This was an extremely frightening incident for the occupants. "Thankfully no-one was hurt but this was an incredibly dangerous and reckless act and we are doing everything we can to trace the criminals responsible. "The investigation is in its early stages and the motive for the attack is unclear however we believe this is a case of mistaken identity. "Criminals involved in gun crime have no regard for anyone else and I would urge the local community to come together to help us take a stand against the use of firearms and violence on our streets and report anything they saw or heard on Thursday night to us so we can take action. "I promise you that we will act on all information given to us and we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved in gun crime on our streets, who are prepared to endanger the lives of our communities.” Considerable disruption activity has taken place in Sefton over the last week targeting those involved in serious and organised crime including the execution of warrants, during which a quantity of cash and cannabis was seized, together with a number of arrests for offences including arson, aggravated burglary and possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs. Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious is asked to call the Matrix guncrime hotline on 0800 230 0600 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.