Forensic experts work inside a police cordon on Stanley Road. (Image: unidentified)
Frightened passers-by ran screaming onto a busy Bootle Street after a gunman opened fire on Monday evening. Merseyside Police were called to Stanley Road, at the junction of Balliol Road, shortly before 5pm on September 7 following reports that a man riding an e-bike had fired shots from a handgun.
There have been no reports of injuries at this time, although police have confirmed there was damage to nearby property. A significant cordon was erected along Stanley Road, with access blocked at the junctions with Merton Road and Balliol Road.
Numerous police cars and officers were seen in the cordoned off area and forensic experts later arrived on the scene and appeared to be focusing their attention on a nearby bus stop.
One eyewitness who was driving along Stanley Road at the time told the ECHO he heard what appeared to be two gunshots. They said they noticed a vehicle about 20 meters ahead suddenly stop before turning back in their direction.
The witness said: “I didn’t know what had happened at the time,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
Bus stuck inside Stanley Road cordon while officers work (Image: unidentified)
“Two people, I don’t know if they are men or women, on large black bicycles that looked like electronic ones, sped around the corner.
“About 20 seconds later a guy came out of the Swift pub holding a brick along with two other girls. He looked like he was looking for someone.
“He and the girls were screaming. By this time everyone had already left the stores.
“People were everywhere, screaming in the street. I really didn’t understand what was going on.”
There are reports of traffic jams in the Stanley Road area as police deal with a serious incident. (Image: unidentified)
Armed officers remain at the scene while detectives conduct video surveillance and interview witnesses.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Saidi-Bidohti said: “We are at a very early stage of the investigation and I would urge anyone who may have witnessed what happened or have any information that could help us with our investigation to come forward.”
“I would also appeal to anyone living in the area who has CCTV footage or doorbell footage that may have captured the incident to contact us.
“We are relentless in pursuing criminals like these who carry dangerous weapons in our community and urge anyone with any information to contact us so we can find those responsible.”
If you have any CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage or information about this incident, please contact Merseyside Police via their social media platform X @MerPolCC or via Facebook at the ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.
If you have CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage or information about this incident, please contact Merseyside Police social media via X @MerPolCC or via Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.
You can also provide information through the force’s website or call log number 745 of September 7.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website. In case of emergency, always call 999.