Residents in Bootle were alarmed after a loud bang was heard, prompting a heavy police presence as they searched for a suspected gunman
People reported seeing a guy with what looked like a gun before he sped off in a car. Not long after, a white Vauxhall Astra crashed into a parked car on Antonio Street. The Astra was a wreck, with a smashed windscreen and a crumpled hood, sitting right in the middle of another police cordon.
One resident peeked out and saw armed police vans and a bunch of squad cars. He told the ECHO, “I heard a big bang at about six o’clock. And then next thing there were armed police everywhere.”
Another neighbor described the bang as sounding like something heavy falling. It was all a bit surreal. A woman nearby said she was in her kitchen when she heard the commotion and saw flashing lights outside. “I knew something bad had happened,” she said.
Forensic teams were on the scene, searching for clues. They found a spent shotgun cartridge, but thankfully, no injuries were reported. Police checked local hospitals, and so far, no one has shown up with gunshot wounds.
Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy mentioned they’re just starting their investigation. He stressed how dangerous it is to fire a shotgun in a residential area and assured the community that they’re committed to catching those responsible.
He urged anyone with information, especially if they have CCTV or dashcam footage, to come forward. If you know anything about firearms in the area, don’t hesitate to reach out to Merseyside Police. They’re on it and want to keep the streets safe.
