Four people have been arrested and a gun has been seized after a man on an e-bike fled from police on Breck Road in Anfield.
At around 9.45pm on Tuesday, August 25, officers were on Breck Road when they saw a man on an e-bike who they suspected was in possession of drugs. The suspect failed to stop for officers and headed towards Asda before abandoning the bike and fleeing through the back gardens of nearby homes, police said.
Suspect arrested and weapon found
He was arrested shortly afterwards. Officers later found a discarded bag, which contained a pistol type firearm, ammunition and Class A drugs. The weapon will be forensically tested, although police's early assessment is that it is a viable firearm.
Following enquiries in the area, an additional three people were arrested.
Four people in custody
A 22-year-old man from Everton was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply a Class A drug (cocaine), possession of a Class B drug (cannabis), threat to damage/destroy property, threats to kill, harassment and sending by public communication network an offensive/indecent/obscene/menacing message or matter.
A 16-year-old boy from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug (cocaine). An 18-year-old man from Kirkby was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug (cocaine) and possession of a Class B drug (cannabis).
A 15-year-old girl from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug (cocaine) and possession of a Class B drug (cannabis). All four remain in police custody.
Operation Gears response
Officers were on Breck Road as part of Operation Gears, a police campaign to crack down on the illegal use of electric bikes, e-scooters, and off-road motorcycles that are being used in serious crime and anti-social behaviour across the region.
Detective Sergeant Leighanne Davies said: “This incident is a fantastic example of how pro-active policing can lead to positive results. The actions of these officers has resulted in a firearm being taken off our streets and four people are now in custody.
“I hope this shows how determined we are to rid our communities of dangerous weapons and drugs that cause misery for local people.
“We all know too well the devastation that one firearm can cause in our communities, and we use all available powers to target and bring to justice those who supply, store, possess and use firearms.
“I want to take this opportunity to urge members of the public to keep telling us where criminals are operating, where they are storing and carrying drugs and weapons, and I promise we will use all the powers and tools at our disposal to take robust action.”
Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police's social media desk using X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via the website or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website. In an emergency always call 999.
