A man was shot inside a cafe on Lodge Lane in Toxteth on Friday evening, according to Merseyside Police. Officers were called to the scene at around 5pm on June 19 following reports of several gunshots. Initially, police stated no one had been injured, but later confirmed a man suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and is receiving treatment at hospital.
Armed Police Response
Armed officers were deployed to the premises after reports of gunfire. Road closures remain in place on Lodge Lane as officers conduct CCTV and house-to-house enquiries. A stop and search order under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 has been implemented until 6.59pm on Saturday, June 20.
Scene Investigation
At the scene, paramedics were seen speaking to individuals inside the cordon, with a police helicopter overhead. Witnesses told the Liverpool Echo that the incident occurred at Bala B's Soul Food Kitchen. Multiple detectives, uniformed and forensic officers were observed entering and exiting the venue. Lodge Lane was closed from Bentley Road to Seacole Close, and police spoke to nearby shopkeepers.
Police Appeal
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Nuttall described the shooting as a "dangerous and reckless act of violence" that could have injured many more people. He appealed for anyone with information, including CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage, to come forward. "We know that guns cause misery on our streets," he said, urging the public to assist in finding those responsible.
The Section 60 order covers an area including Upper Parliament Street, Smithdown Road, Greenbank Road, North Mossley Hill Road, Queens Drive, Aigburth Vale, Carnatic Road, Victoria Road, Ashfield Road, Aigburth Road, Park Road, Park Place, and St James Place.
Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police via X or Facebook @MerPolCC quoting incident number 809 of June 19, or call 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
