Three individuals have been taken into custody following a police raid on Lodge Lane in Toxteth, where officers seized mobile phones, cannabis, and drug paraphernalia. The operation, conducted by Merseyside Police, targeted an address in the area.
Arrests and Charges
A 47-year-old man from Toxteth, a 20-year-old man from Croxteth, and an 18-year-old woman from Formby were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate. The Croxteth man faces an additional charge of cannabis possession. All three remain in police custody for questioning as searches of the property continue.
Context of Recent Shootings
The arrests come in the wake of two shootings in Toxteth this month. The most recent incident occurred on Friday, June 19, when a man in his 20s was chased into Bala B's Soul Food Kitchen on Lodge Lane and reportedly shot from behind. Detectives are keeping an open mind about whether this shooting is linked to an earlier attack on Wednesday, June 3, when a 19-year-old man was shot in the arm outside the African Caribbean Council Community Centre. The victim then ran to the corner of Carlingford Close and Selborne Street, where he collapsed.
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the June 3 shooting and has been conditionally bailed while police continue their investigation.
Police Response
Detective Inspector Chris Clark stated: "We will always take immediate action to incidents involving guns and we are actively working to make Merseyside a safer place to live and work. We are committed to taking weapons off our streets and, rest assured, if you tell us about any suspected possession or offences we will investigate."
Merseyside Police proactively investigates serious organised crime, including the use of guns and the supply and distribution of drugs. A force spokesperson added: "Information from the public is vital if we are to break down the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets."
How to Report Information
Anyone with information is urged to contact Merseyside Police via their social media desk on X or Facebook @MerPolCC, report online at the Merseyside Police website, or call 101. Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
