Ryan Murray, a 25-year-old father, has been jailed for four years after firing a blank pistol at police officers in Liverpool. The incident occurred after he terrorised his estranged former partner at her home in the early hours of January 9, 2026.
Background and threats
Murray, of Sterling Way in Kirkdale, had been in an on-and-off relationship with his former partner for around 10 years, with whom he had two children. The relationship ended years ago after she reported domestic abuse. She moved home to avoid him and had no contact since September 2025.
Shortly before 3:30am on January 9, she awoke to find Murray banging on her front door, shouting: "Watch what happens. Watch what happens to you." Their young children were asleep inside. The victim called 999, saying: "My baby's dad is at my door, and he shouldn't know where I live. I'm scared for my life again."
Murray left but sent threatening messages via TikTok, including threats to report her to the Department for Work and Pensions and a warning about her current partner: "I'll see him soon." He then called Merseyside Police, stating: "Armed police have been at my house. I've got something waiting for them if they come again. You'll see the emergency in a bit."
Police chase and shooting
Two officers, Sergeants Kevin Stony and Jordan Myatt, located Murray on Stanley Road. As they chased him, Murray drew a black self-loading pistol and discharged it multiple times towards them before being detained. A total of 29 rounds of blank ammunition were recovered from his coat. The weapon was a Bruni P4 8mm blank firing pistol.
In interview, Murray claimed he did not produce the gun at his ex-partner's home and said he meant only to frighten. He had been drinking and taking drugs and could not explain why he fired at the officers.
Impact on victims
In a statement, Sergeant Stony said: "When I informed my family about what happened, it caused them significant anxiety. They now worry every time I leave for work, fearing something similar could happen again. ... Since the incident, I've found myself becoming overly cautious and hypervigilant."
Sergeant Myatt added: "For around a week after the incident, I struggled with my sleep and found myself continuously thinking about what happened. ... If real shots were fired, me and Sergeant Stony would be dead."
Murray's former partner stated: "I've lived through years of intimidation and fear. ... This demonstrates the level of risk he presents to me and the children."
Court proceedings
Murray has six previous convictions for 10 offences, including possession of a bladed article and an offensive weapon. His defence said he "lost his head" after his mother's death and separation from his children. He pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and threatening behaviour.
Sentencing, Judge Stuart Driver KC said: "They believed that a real gun was being used to fire real bullets at them. They were terrified for their very lives." He noted aggravating features including three victims, planning, and Murray's prior weapons offences. A 10-year restraining order was also imposed.
Detective Sergeant Alex Fowler said: "Although this was a blank firing weapon, the appearance and noise made as it was fired will have seemed all too real to our pursuing officers."
