Liverpool: Man in serious condition after being shot in leg

A man is in a serious but stable condition after being shot in the leg in Liverpool in the early hours of Saturday, police said.

Officers were called to Prescot Road in the Old Swan area of the city just after 3.05am, after reports of gunshots, and a man was found with a wound to his leg.

A 33-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.

The shooting is believed to have been targeted, Merseyside Police said.

Detective Inspector Phil Ryan said: “The use of firearms on our streets is reckless and incredibly dangerous and we share the shock and disappointment the community will feel this morning hearing this news.

“Thankfully, while serious, the victim will recover from his injuries. But the consequences of firing a gun in a residential area could have been much worse.

“We’re keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or saw or heard anyone acting suspiciously in the area before or after 3.05am.

“You may live nearby or have been passing the area at the time it happened on foot or in a vehicle. Any information you have, or dashcam or CCTV footage, could prove vital in finding out what happened and, crucially, who the offenders are.

“We have seen a decrease in firearms incidents over the past two years, and we’re determined to keep preventing them from happening so that our communities can continue to live and work free from the fear of such incidents.

“Information from the public has helped us take weapons off the streets and put offenders before the courts. If you tell us what you know about this incident, we will take positive action and make Merseyside safer.”

Anyone with information can get in contact with reference 21000856271 via DM, social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC, or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.