Man Shot In Toxteth
Police are hunting for three masked men who've shot a man at his home in Toxteth.
Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was shot at his home in Toxteth last night - with his two young children just metres away.
Officers were called to Willow Court just before 10pm. It's believed three men wearing balaclavas forced their way into the victim's home and threatened him.
The 32-year-old managed to chase the offenders from his home and as he reached the front door they turned and fired a shotgun at him causing gunshot wounds to his arm. The victim ran back in to his house and the offenders, who are described as white, slim build and possibly late teens/early 20s, tried to get back into the property - before escaping in a car towards Admiral Street.
The victim was taken to hospital by a friend. His children, aged 1 and 6 weeks, and partner were in the property at the time, but weren't injured.
An extensive search of the area is being carried out and the house has been cordoned off whilst forensic examinations are carried out. House-to-house inquiries are underway and police are also reviewing CCTV footage.
Detective Sergeant Adam Smith, from the Matrix, said: "High visibility patrols have been stepped up in the area to reassure the local community and a thorough investigation is underway.
“The victim’s girlfriend was in the house, with their two young children, when the offenders forced their way in and threatened her partner. She is extremely distressed as a result of the attack. I would urge anyone who has any information to come forward, the fact that these people saw fit to threaten and attack a man at his own home, whilst his partner and two young children were in the house, shows the mentality of these people, who have a complete disregard for others.”
He added: "Our enquiries are clearly at a very early stage, although it does appear that this was a targeted incident.
"I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area prior to 9.45pm, to call us so we can find those responsible and put them before the courts.
"We won't tolerate the use of firearms on the streets of Merseyside and are relentless in our efforts to bring those who are prepared to use them to justice."