Merseyside Police have arrested a 35-year-old man after a man in his 40s was shot in the neck with an air rifle in Melling on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred on Waddicar Lane, where officers were called just before 11:15am on July 1.
Victim Hospitalised, Suspect in Custody
The victim, a man in his 40s, was taken to hospital with a neck injury and is reported to be in a stable condition. The arrested man is being held on suspicion of section 18 wounding and possession of a firearm. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Police Investigation and Scene
Officers have conducted house-to-house inquiries, reviewed CCTV footage, and spoken to witnesses in the local area. Waddicar Lane was closed between Rainbow Drive and Spencer's Lane but has since reopened. A cordon remains in place outside a row of shops, including a GoLocal newsagents and a pharmacy.
Sefton neighbourhood Chief Inspector Dave Uren stated: "The investigation is in the very early stages as we speak to witnesses and establish what has taken place. A man has been taken to hospital and we have made an arrest but we would urgently appeal for anyone who was in the area of Waddicar Lane this morning who heard or saw anything suspicious to contact us."
Appeal for Information
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Chief Inspector Uren added: "Weapons have no place on the streets of Merseyside as we know the devastation they can cause so my appeal would be for the public to support us by telling us what they know."
Members of the public can contact Merseyside Police via X or Facebook @MerPolCC, report online at the Merseyside Police website, or call 101 quoting log number 364 of 1 July. Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their website.
