A burnt-out car was found less than three miles away from the scene of a drive-by style shooting.
The car was found on wasteland near to Wildbrook Drive in Bidston, Wirral, a short time after the shooting on Hoole Road, in Woodchurch, on Tuesday. Video footage shared with the ECHO shows the moment the car became engulfed in flames as firefighters tried to extinguish the blaze.
Merseyside Police said officers are currently investigating whether the two incidents are linked. Officers were called to Hoole Road on the junction of Ferry Brow Road at around 6.30pm on Tuesday to reports of the shooting, which is believed to have been a targeted attack.
READ MORE: Dad stole 60 iPads for sick children from Alder Hey hospital
A short time later, a 23-year-old man arrived at hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. Police have today confirmed that he remains in hospital with life changing injuries.
Officers believe that the gunman was driving a dark coloured Ford Fiesta that made off at speed towards Houghton Road. Officers remain on Wildbrook Drive while extensive forensic, and CCTV enquiries are carried out. The scene on Hoole Road has now been stood down.
Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has any information is asked to contact police.
Local Community Inspector Alan McKeon said: “We are in the early stages of an investigation into a shooting in Woodchurch yesterday which has left a young man with life changing injuries.
“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area yesterday evening who witnessed the incident, saw the car the offenders were believed to be driving, or the vehicle that was set on fire a short time later on Wildbrook Drive. If you saw anything or anyone suspicious please come forward, as any information you have could be vital to our enquiries.
“Similarly, if you were driving in the area and have dashcam footage please review it and let us know.
“At present we believe this was a targeted attack and there is currently a visible police presence in the area to reassure residents and assist with our investigation.
“Firearms have no place on the streets of Merseyside and we remain committed to removing them and the people who choose to carry them. It is absolutely vital that we get all information from those communities who feel the impact of gun crime, so we can bring those responsible to justice.
“Speak to us directly or anonymously and we will take swift action to remove dangerous weapons and those who use them from our streets.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact @MerPolWirral on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101 with reference 22000199706.
You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.
ENDS
