Man shot in face on playing field in Knotty Ash
A man's been taken to hospital after being shot in the face in Knotty Ash last night.
Merseyside Police has launched an investigation after a shooting in Liverpool.
Emergency services were called to playing fields at the junction of Thomas Lane and Thingwall Avenue at 5.20pm on Thursday 7 April, following reports of a man with a face injury.
When they got there they found a man in his 20s with what looked like a gunshot wound. At this stage of the investigation they're not sure what type of weapon was used.
The man has been taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Detectives from the force's Matrix Serious Organised Crime unit are leading the investigation, supported by neighbourhood patrols.
Officers believe the incident occurred after two rival groups of people came to blows on the playing fields. The offender then fled on foot in an unknown direction.
Police are treating it as a targeted attack and a large number of police officers are in the area carrying out house to house and forensic enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Shaw from MSOC said;
"People will understandably be concerned following this brazen attack and they have my assurances that everything possible is being done to catch the person or people responsible.
"We believe this was a deliberate and targeted attack carried out in front of two rival groups of people on the playing fields.
"They have shown a complete disregard for the welfare and safety of everyone else on the playing field and for everyone who lives nearby.
"We will be relentless in our pursuit of anyone involved in gun crime and we need the public's continued help in doing this.
"If you saw what happened and can help us bring the perpetrator to justice then please call us. '
Call police on 0800 230 0600 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.