A 16-year-old boy has been released on conditional bail after being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with a shooting in Toxteth earlier this month. The teenager from Liverpool was taken into custody on Tuesday, June 23, but Merseyside Police confirmed he has now been bailed pending further enquiries.
Shooting incident details
Armed police were called to the corner of Carlingford Close and Selborne Street in Toxteth shortly after 8.40pm on Wednesday, June 3, following reports of a shooting. Officers established that a 19-year-old man had been shot in the arm outside the African Caribbean Council Community Centre on Amberley Street. He then fled to Carlingford Close where he collapsed on the pavement. The victim was taken to hospital and later discharged.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the victim has not been cooperating with police. Detectives believe the gunman was dressed in black and riding an electric bike at the time of the shooting.
Witness accounts
Local residents reported hearing a single loud bang, which they initially thought was a firework. One neighbour told the Liverpool Echo: "I heard a bang, it was like a firework and just one, then the police came racing up and down the street, there were loads of them. There was a lad on the door by the lamppost. I think his mum arrived and she just broke down."
Police investigation
Detective Inspector Chris Clark said: "Although we have made an initial arrest the investigation into the shooting on Amberley Street in Toxteth is ongoing and this man will be questioned as part of our enquiries. We have increased the number of officers in the local area and are keen to speak with anyone who was on Amberley Street on the evening of June 3 and saw or heard anything suspicious but has not yet come forward."
DI Clark added: "I would like to reassure residents and anyone who has information about what happened that we are committed to removing weapons and the people that choose to use them from the streets of Liverpool and will investigate any information we receive. We continue to make enquiries as part of this ongoing investigation and would appeal to anyone with information to come forward."
Related incident
The shooting on June 3 was followed by another incident on Friday, June 19, at Bala B's Soul Kitchen on Lodge Lane. A man was chased along the street and into the café, where the Liverpool Echo believes he was shot from behind. Armed police responded and a cordon was set up, but no arrests have been made in connection with that shooting.
