Police investigate shots fired in Bootle
A man's been arrested
Last updated 10th Dec 2023
Merseyside Police have arrested a man on suspicion of possession of a firearm following a non-injury shooting in Bootle last night, Friday 8 December.
At around 10pm, it was reported that a male was dropped off by a driver of a dark-coloured car on Wolfenden Avenue.
Moments later, the male was approached by two males who were riding an electric bike and armed with a suspected firearm. A single shot was fired before the two males fled the scene in the direction of Southport Road.
Officers attended and found evidence that a firearm had been discharged, but so far there have been no reported injuries and enquiries are ongoing to find the male who was targeted.
Around 45 minutes after this incident, officers on patrol on County Road, in Walton, attempted to speak to the driver of a black Ford Focus who was acting suspiciously, but the car sped off.
Following a brief pursuit, in which the driver committed several driving offences including speeding, the car collided with a blue Renault Captur on Balliol Road, in Bootle.
The driver of the Renault Captur suffered a serious rib injury and remains in hospital and a passenger in the vehicle sustained a serious arm injury.
A 47-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of drink driving and other driving offences and taken to hospital for treatment to a hip injury.
Following enquiries, it’s believed the road collision and the firearms discharge could be linked and the male was further arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.
Officers are continuing to appeal for information.
Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said: “Our investigation is currently ongoing into the firearms discharge last night and we have been working tirelessly to find the people responsible.
“Following enquiries into a road collision on Balliol Road, a male has now been arrested in connection with the incident on Wolfenden Avenue as we believe the two incidents could be linked.
“We are still asking for the help of the community and we believe there were a number of motorists who were driving in the Wolfenden Avenue area last night between 9.45-10.15pm who could have vital information.
“If you witnessed anything significant or captured anything on your dashcam, please come forward as a matter of urgency.
“Similarly, if you live in the area and have any information, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel it is, please let us know as it could prove vital.”
DI Mulcahy added: “Gun crime has no place on our streets and we will do everything within our powers to find the people responsible and bring them to justice.
“We are committed to taking weapons off our streets and, rest assured, if you tell us about any suspected possession or offences we will take action.
“We pro-actively investigate serious organised crime in Merseyside, including the use of guns and the supply and distribution of drugs.”