Gunshots rang out on Friday evening as a man was chased into a café and shot, prompting a major police response in Liverpool. Witnesses reported hearing three bangs before armed officers descended on Lodge Lane.
Incident Details
Police were called to Bala Bs Soul Food Kitchen on Lodge Lane at around 5pm on June 19 following reports of a shooting. Armed officers closed the road between Bentley Road and Seacole Close. The victim, believed to be a man in his 20s, was allegedly chased along the road and into the café before being shot. Inside the café, police discovered several gun casings.
A woman who works nearby told the Liverpool Echo: "I didn't see anything, I was upstairs, but we heard three bangs and then all the police arrived." Initially, Merseyside Police stated nobody had been injured, but later confirmed a man had suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Community Reaction
This is the second shooting in the area this month. One local man expressed concern: "It is ridiculous what is happening now. There is going to be retaliation for this, it's not safe. I've been here for 10 years and it's just getting worse."
Police Response
On Saturday morning, two Matrix vans, a patrol car, and an unmarked police car remained outside the cordoned-off café. Officers worked inside while detectives conducted door-to-door enquiries. A Section 60 order has been implemented, granting officers additional stop-and-search powers in a wide area covering Upper Parliament Street, Smithdown Road, Greenbank Road, North Mossley Hill Road, Queens Drive, Aigburth Vale, Carnatic Road, Victoria Road, Ashfield Road, Aigburth Road, Park Road, Park Place, and St James Place.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Nuttall condemned the attack: "Firing a gun inside a café was a dangerous and reckless act of violence where many more people could have been hurt and led to more tragic circumstances. The investigation is in the very early stages. The shooting took place at a busy time of day, so I appeal to anyone who hasn't spoken to us to get in touch. Please check your CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage for anything suspicious."
Previous Incident
Friday's shooting follows an incident on June 3, when a man was shot in the arm outside the Merseyside Caribbean Council Community Centre on Amberley Street. The victim is not cooperating with police, and detectives believe the gunman was on an electric bike and dressed in black.
Appeal for Information
Merseyside Police urge anyone with information to contact them via social media @MerPolCC quoting incident 809 of June 19, report via their website, or call 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
