Emergency services rushed to a country park this afternoon following reports that two men in their 20s had sustained gunshot injuries.
Merseyside Police received the call to Pottery Lane, adjacent to Stadt Moers Park in Knowsley, at 2.50pm on Sunday, May 24.
Eyewitnesses described seeing air ambulances departing from the location, with both casualties transported to hospital where their conditions are being evaluated.
Police presence continues in the vicinity as officers gather CCTV footage and conduct door-to-door and forensic investigation s, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Urging the public to avoid the area, Detective Superintendent Paul Speight stated: “Although these are the early hours of our investigation, it is absolutely vital that we gather all available evidence as soon as possible.
“If you saw, heard or may have captured anything on CCTV, dashcam or doorbell devices, please come forward at the earliest opportunity. Our initial assessment is this was a targeted attack on the two victims, for reasons we will establish as the investigation progresses.
View 2 ImagesThe scene in Stadt Moers park where two men were found with gunshot wounds
“To fire a weapon in our communities at any time is of course a concern, but to do so in a residential area on a Sunday afternoon is beyond comprehension. I want to make it clear to anyone involved that our determination to find those responsible will be absolute, and we will target anyone who has carried out this shooting, or assisted those responsible in any way.
“Gun crime in Merseyside has become increasingly rare in recent years, and it is in no small part down to the information, engagement and partnership work in those areas which have been affected.”
“This same community strength will help us in the coming days. If you know anything, speak to us directly or anonymously and we will take positive action to find and remove from the community any firearms and those people reckless enough to use them.”
Those with information can reach Merseyside Police via their social media channels on X or Facebook @MerPolCC. Details can also be submitted through their website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by phoning 101 and quoting incident reference 572 of Sunday 24 May.
If you’d prefer to remain anonymous, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be reached on freephone 0800 555 111, or through their website at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.
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