A 35-year-old man has been charged after a 44-year-old man from Netherton was shot in the neck with an air rifle on Waddicar Lane in Melling. Michael Kenneth Scott, of Waddicar Lane, Melling, faces charges of Section 18 wounding with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear in court on Friday, July 3.
Armed Police Response to Shooting
Armed officers, police helicopters, and multiple emergency vehicles responded to the shooting outside a Go Local store on Waddicar Lane at approximately 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1. Residents reported hearing helicopter sounds before seeing dozens of police vehicles converge on the area. Videos obtained by the Liverpool Echo showed a convoy of at least ten emergency services vehicles racing to the scene shortly after the attack.
The victim was taken to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition. Witnesses stated the man was "sitting up" before being transported by ambulance, and they noted he "thankfully seemed ok." Local residents remarked they had "never seen so many police" at the cordoned-off area.
Police Appeal for Information
Sefton neighbourhood Chief Inspector Dave Uren urged the public to avoid speculation and rumors while the investigation continues. In a statement, he said: “I would ask members of the public to avoid speculating or spreading rumours about this incident as we continue to investigate the circumstances. Anyone who has any concerns is asked to speak to our officers at the mobile police station.”
CI Uren added: “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. 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.”
How to Report Information
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via X or Facebook @MerPolCC, or through the police website at https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/. Alternatively, call 101 quoting log number 364 of 1 July. The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.
