Detectives investigating a daylight shooting in Prescot that left two men seriously injured have issued a fresh appeal for information, describing the missing detail as the "vital piece of the puzzle."
Shooting in Stadt Moers Park
The two victims, both in their 20s, suffered serious gunshot wounds during the attack in Stadt Moers Park on May 24. They were rushed to hospital by air ambulance with chest injuries. Local sources previously reported that two men on an e-bike were seen in the area immediately before and after the shooting, and Merseyside Police confirmed they were probing this as a line of enquiry.
However, no arrests have been made in connection with the "targeted" shooting. The force has kept an open mind regarding the motive.
New appeal for sightings
Detective Sergeant Leighanne Davies said: "Our investigation continues, and I want to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone with information who has yet to come forward. This might include sightings of people acting suspiciously in Stadt Moers Park or Pottery Lane around the time of the shooting, or of anyone making off from the scene."
She added: "Please don't assume that what you know is already known to us, or that the details are trivial or irrelevant. Our team thoroughly assesses every piece of intelligence submitted, and yours might well be the vital piece of the puzzle."
Investigation details
The injured men were found on Pottery Lane on the M57 flyover bridge, but police believe they were actually shot within the park before staggering into the road. Five gunshots were heard, though it is not known if all found their targets.
The victims were initially described as in a "critical" condition, but later updates confirmed they were stable and improving. The ECHO understands the two men have not co-operated with the investigation.
Weapon arrest and community concerns
A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a weapon after a machete and a knife were photographed inside the police cordon. Det Sgt Davies said gun crime in Merseyside is "increasingly rare" thanks to communities rejecting serious and organised criminals, and urged anyone reluctant to talk directly to use Crimestoppers.
Residents described the park as the "Wild West," with one saying teens "do what they want and can get away." Another said: "We don't like our kids going out in the park anymore, it's not safe. This happened in broad daylight on a bank holiday Sunday. It's that bad my wife was looking at houses last night, we're getting out of here."
A section 60 order was in place, giving officers additional stop-and-search powers.
