Gunshots can be heard in a video which shows a number of men run away from a street shooting.
Police received a report at around 4.55pm today that a man had been shot in the legs by another man on Croxdale Road West. A 23-year-old man then presented at hospital at around 5.10pm with gunshot wounds to his legs and back and being dropped off in a vehicle, which then left the scene.
Merseyside Police described the man's injuries as "life-changing". A terrifying video which has been shared on social media shows a number of men appearing to run away as around seven gunshots can be heard in the background. One man can also be seen riding away from the scene on a bike.
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Croxdale Road West was cordoned off by police today following the incident and detectives made door to door enquiries. Forensics also focused their attention near to where a number of funeral flowers were laid.
When the ECHO attended the scene, officers were also carrying out fingertip searches up and down the road. Chief Inspector Col Rooney said officers believe it was a "targeted attack".
A number of children were also seen asking officers at the cordon what had happened and played in nearby streets. One resident told the ECHO they were "traumatised" by the incident.
Merseyside Police said the man is being treated in hospital where he is in a stable condition. Police said the offender is reported to have left the scene in a white Seat Leon car.
Chief Inspector Col Rooney said: "The investigation is in its very early stages and extensive work is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, but we do believe it was a targeted attack.
"Fortunately the victim's injuries are not life threatening, but they are significant and will require surgery and a lengthy period of recovery. We have a large police presence in the area carrying out enquiries and I would encourage anyone who witnessed any part of the incident to come forward and tell us what they know.
“I would also ask anyone who was in the area at around 4.55pm, who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously shortly before or after the incident to contact us. If you think you may have captured anything significant on your mobile phone, dashcam or Ring doorbell, please contact us as a matter of urgency as your footage could prove vital to our investigation.”
Crime scene investigators are carrying out forensic examinations at the scene and house-to-house enquiries are underway. Officers will also be looking at CCTV from the area to identify the offender.
Chief Insp Rooney added: "We will have increased patrols in the area in the coming hours and days, and a cordon is in place while crime scene investigations are being carried out. Officers will also be reviewing CCTV footage in the area and do everything in their power to identify those responsible so they can be brought to justice.
“There is no place for guns on the streets of Merseyside. We conduct warrants, stop checks and land searches day in day out to disrupt those who carry and store weapons. You can help us take them out of circulation and put offenders before the courts, by telling us where weapons are being stored and who is carrying them.
“Spare others the agony of an incident such as this, and contact us with any information you have on firearms and we will take action.” If you have any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage or information about this incident, DM the force's social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 676 of 2 July.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.
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