Two men, including a 19-year-old, have been charged with multiple offences after a firearm was brandished in Skelmersdale on New Year's Eve. Lancashire Police responded to reports at 1:24 PM on December 31, 2025, that a gun had been pointed at a BMW on Birch Green Road.
Armed Response and Investigation
Armed officers were deployed to the scene, and a road closure was implemented while investigations continued. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a police helicopter in the area and described police vehicles being "all over old Skem." On the same day, police also received two reports of property damage on Windrows and Willow Hey. A Lancashire Police spokesman stated, "We believe these incidents are linked to the firearms incident on Birch Green Road."
Arrests and Charges
Several individuals were initially arrested, including a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man, both from Skelmersdale. They were released on bail pending further inquiries. Last week, officers from the South Targeted Crime Team and West Lancs Task Force re-arrested two men. Josh Parsons, 19, of Fairstead in Skelmersdale, and Leon Parsons, 20, of no fixed address, have been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life
- Making threats to kill
- Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (heroin and crack cocaine)
- Conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (amphetamine and cannabis)
Court Appearances
Josh Parsons appeared at Preston Magistrates Court on June 4 and was remanded to appear at Preston Crown Court on July 2. Leon Parsons appeared at Preston Magistrates Court on June 5 and was remanded to appear at Preston Crown Court on July 3.
