Roads closed following reports of shooting in Bootle

Police were called to Balfour Road at around 23:00 on Tuesday night (03 December)

Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 4th Dec 2024

A number of roads have been taped off in Bootle following reports of a shooting, police have said.

Officers were called to Balfour Road at around 23:00GMT on Tuesday (03 December), to reports of shots being fired.

They are treating them as "unconfirmed" and are yet to find any evidence of injuries or damage.

Detectives are now going house-to-house, carrying out forensic investigations, and looking at CCTV footage.

A scene is in place on Knowsley Road to the junction of Balfour Road, encompassing Chestnut Grove.

Officers are allowing access to residents and staff and pupils of Thomas Gray Primary School.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Suffield said: "This is the early stages of our investigation and have yet to confirm that shots were fired.

"However, we understand the concern that such a report will cause in the local community and officers will be in the area to speak to people and gather information.

"The circumstances are not confirmed at this time but we are keen to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious, or any vehicles making off at speed from the vicinity of Knowsley Road.

"If you live in the area or were passing by at the time, please check your CCTV, dashcam or doorbell devices.

"A small piece of information could be vital in establishing what happened."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.