Panicked pedestrians ran onto a busy street in screams after a gunman opened fire in Merseyside. Police descended on Stanley Road just before 5pm following reports of a man riding an e-bike letting off shots from a handgun on Monday (September 7).
No injuries reported, property damaged
There have been no reports of any injuries, while damage was caused to a property. A huge cordon is in place around Stanley Street, with further blockades at its junctions with Merton Road and Balliol Road.
A forensics team arrived at the scene, which has been secured by several police vehicles and officers throughout the evening. CSI officers were seen working around the area of a bus stop on the busy street.
Witness describes gunshots and panic
One witness who was driving along Stanley Road at the time told the ECHO they heard what sounded like two gunshots. They said they noticed a car around 20 metres ahead suddenly stop before reversing back towards them.
The witness said: “At that point, I didn’t know what was going on so I just waited behind for a second. What sounded like two gunshots were then fired. It was really loud; two bangs.
“Two people, I don’t know whether they were male or female, on big black bikes like e-bikes, whizzed off around the corner.
“About 20 seconds later, a guy came out of Swift’s pub holding a brick, with two other girls. He looked like he was looking for somebody.
“He and the girls were shouting. By this point, everyone had come out of the shops.
“People were everywhere, screaming on the street. I didn’t really know what was going on.”
Police appeal for information
Armed officers remain in the area and detectives are carrying out CCTV and witness enquiries. Detective Chief Inspector Chris Saidi-Bidokhti said: “We are in the very early stages of an investigation and I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed what happened or has any information which could help us with our enquiries to come forward.
“I would also like to appeal to anyone who lives in the area, who has CCTV footage or Ring doorbell, that may have captured the incident to get in touch.
“We are relentless in our pursuit of such offenders who carry dangerous weapons in our community and urge anyone who has any information to contact us so we can find those responsible.”
If you have any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage or information about this incident, please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via the force's website or call with log number 745 of 7 September. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website. In an emergency always call 999.
