Van shot at after gang tries to gain access to St Helens home
A van was shot at as men tried to gain access to a house in St Helens
A van was shot at as men tried to gain access to a house in St Helens
The white Transit van was parked outside a house in Brookway Lane when two loud bangs were reported to police at 7.45pm on Friday 9th December
On arrival officers found damage to the van consistent with a firearms discharge.
Following enquiries detectives believe that several people in two cars had turned up at the house and tried to gain entry. As they left one of the group shot at the van. Both cars then left the area.
The three adults who were inside the house at the time of the incident were unhurt.
Detectives are leading an investigation, assisted by local neighbourhood officers from St Helens.
The incident is being treated as targeted and extensive enquiries are being carried out to trace the offenders and establish a motive for the attack.
Chief Superintendent Mark Wiggins said: “Firearms incidents are extremely rare in St Helens and we believe this was a targeted attack against the people inside the property. We understand that people living in the street and the surrounding area will be concerned and they have my assurance that we are doing all we can to catch the offenders.
"Highly visible neighbourhood patrols have been stepped up in the area with the aim of providing reassurance to people who might be worried."
"We will do everything we can to bring the people responsible for this incident to justice and I would encourage anyone with information that could help us to please call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”