Man in hospital after being shot in the leg

A man is in hospital after being shot in the leg in the early hours of this morning. Police were called to a grass verge between Rupert Lane recreation ground and Heyworth Street near Everton Brow[1] shortly after midnight. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police[2] said: "We were made aware at just before 12.20am that a man in his 20s had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg in the area of Everton Brow in Liverpool.

The man has been taken to hospital for treatment for his injury which is not believed to be life threatening.

"An investigation is underway and witness and CCTV enquiries are being carried out." Detective Inspector Dave Jones said: "The investigation is in the very early stages as we seek to establish what has taken place.

"It appears the victim was with a group of people on a grass verge between Rupert Lane recreation ground and Heyworth Street at around 12.05am when large bangs were heard coming from a nearby parking area. "The group initially believed the noise to be fireworks but the realised the man had an injury to the thigh consistent with a gunshot. "Two vehicles were seen in the car park at the time which left shortly afterwards in the direction of Heyworth Street.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the occupants of those vehicle. "The group were able to flag down a passing patrol and the man was taken to hospital." The area is currently cordoned off and a search of the area will be carried out.

Detective Inspector Jones added: "We are seeking to establish if the two cars are linked to the shooting and are asking anyone who was in the area of Heyworth Street or Everton Brow in the early hours of this morning who saw or heard anything suspicious to contact us as a matter of urgency. "Clearly this incident could have had far more serious if not fatal consequences and it is vital people come forward and tell us what they know. "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 a relentless approach to tackling serious organised crime and we need the public to be our eyes and ears and tell us what they know so that we can take positive action." Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call 101 quoting reference 23001220177. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here[5]

References

1. ^ Everton Brow (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
2. ^ Merseyside Police (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
3. ^ Merseyside gangs use Skorpions to increase 'firepower and fear' (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
4. ^ A cold morning on the frontline of Liverpool's homeless crisis (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
5. ^ Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)