Merseyside Police launch appeal after man accidentally shot in leg
The firearm accidentally discharged in the Netherton area of the region
Merseyside Police are appealing for information after gun was accidentally fired in Netherton, leaving a man injured.
Officers initially received reports of a discharge on Friday afternoon (January 5th), which was heightened after no one called the emergency services to report an injury.
Eventually, police were able to trace the victim to a 26-year-old with an address at Harrops Croft in Netherton. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the man, who had received a gunshot wound to his leg.
After being taken to hospital to be assessed, the man was was let go, but has since refused to co-operate with officers as they carry out their investigations.
Merseyside Police have already carried out enquiries in trying to piece together how the discharge had come about and what triggered the firearm to be fired.
As well as this, officers have spoken to people who live in the area and are also examining CCTV footage in the area so that they can work out what has happened to set off the firearm.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Ball from the force said: "An investigation into the full circumstances of the incident is ongoing and I would like appeal to anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area of Harrops Croft just at around 1pm to contact us. Information they have could be vital.
"The victim is refusing to co-operate with the investigation, but we want to ensure that those involved are taken off the streets. Gun crime has no place on our streets and we will do everything within our power to find those responsible and bring them to justice."
Ball added that the force is keen to stamp out any gun crime in the city and will "relentless pursue" those who are involved in the practice until gun crime in the Liverpool area is significantly reduced.
He also appealed for information in regards to the incident, asking that anyone who may have dashcam footage from around the time of the discharge to get in touch.
If anyone has information regarding the incident, they can call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.