Murder investigation launched after man shot dead in Merseyside

A murder investigation has been launched after a 36-year-old man was shot dead on the streets of Merseyside.

Police said they received a report at 6.35pm on Wednesday from the North West ambulance service that a man had been shot in Kirkby.

Officers attended and the man was taken to hospital by paramedics where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Gun crime is a major concern on Merseyside. After the latest shooting, a senior officer said police would be “relentless” in their pursuit of those involved.

The victim of the shooting has not yet been named. Police said his next of kin had been informed and would be supported by specialist officers.

A police cordon is in place at the scene of the crime and house-to-house inquiries are being conducted along with examination of CCTV footage.

Residents told the Liverpool Echo that they did not associate their street, which is opposite Liverpool FC’s AXA training centre, as a place of crime and violence.

One said: “It’s mad because there’s not much trouble here, ever. It’s opposite a pensioners’ estate and this road is full of families and kids.”

Another resident told the Echo: “We’ve had bad shootings here in the past but all the gun crime had settled down recently. But it’s blowing up again now. It’s scary. And I’m sad, because we’ve got a good community here.”

Police said high visibility patrols have been stepped up to provide reassurance to the community.

Det Supt Mark Drew called the shooting an “appalling and tragic incident” and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

“If you live in the area, please check your CCTV, dashcam devices or doorbell footage and if you see anything suspicious, please let us know. Any information you provide, however insignificant it may seem, could be vital to our investigation.”

He added: “There is no room for guns on the streets of Merseyside and we will do everything within our power to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“My message to those involved in gun crime and serious organised crime is clear – Merseyside police will never rest, we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved.

“Information from the public is vital if we are to break down the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.

“I completely understand that speaking up could be daunting, but when people are willing to support the police we will ensure every possible avenue is progressed to protect them.”

He said if people did not feel comfortable coming directly to the police they could call the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.

“We need to know who is involved in gun crime and where those guns are being stored.”