APPEAL - FIREARMS DISCHARGE, BOOTLE

Merseyside Police have arrested a man following reports a firearm was discharged in Bootle last night (Wednesday, 14 September). At about 9.45pm officers were called to Cambridge Road following reports shots had been fired from a blue Ford Mondeo car parked in the street. On arrival officers discovered damage to a property and a stationary blue Honda car consistent with a firearm discharge. No-one was injured. At this stage of the investigation, the motive for the incident is unclear but it is believed to be a targeted attack. Crime scene investigators are carrying out forensic examinations at the scene and house-to-house inquiries are being conducted in the area. High visibility patrols have been stepped up in the area to reassure the public. A 40-year-old man from Widnes has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He has been taken to a police station in Merseyside to be interviewed. Superintendent Dawn McNally said: "The investigation is in its early stages and the motive for the shooting is unclear however we believe this was a targeted incident. "We are relentless in our pursuit of those involved in gun crime and criminals who have no regard for other people and will continue to take action to protect our communities from those intent on using firearms on our streets. "Information from our communities is vital and I would urge the local community to come together to help us take a stand against the use of firearms and violence on our streets. If you saw or heard anything last night that may help us with our enquiries, please report it to us so we can take action. "If anyone has any information about this incident or those involved in gun crime, or who knows where weapons are being stored, I would urge them to contact us so that we can make our streets safer." Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have information which could help them with their inquiries to contact the specialist Matrix team on 0800 230 0600, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.