Emergency services swarmed to a Netherton Post Office after reports a gun was fired in an attempted robbery.
Merseyside Police confirmed that around 3.15pm officers received a report that a man entered Park Lane Post Office and demanded cash from the till. When staff refused to give him cash, it was reported he fired a gun, described by witnesses as appearing to be a starting pistol, into the air.
Police said it was reported that the man then made off on a pedal bike. An appeal for information has now been launched as the area remains cordoned off.
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No injuries have been reported and no cash taken, as an investigation has been launched. Officers remain at the scene to carry out extensive CCTV, witness and forensic enquiries.
Pictures taken by the ECHO show a police cordon in place on Wednesday afternoon as officers enter and leave the Post Office building. Road closures are also currently in place on Park Lane around the junction with Hereford Drive as motorists are urged to seek alternative routes.
The suspect is described as white male, of slim build, with long blond hair. At the time of the incident he was wearing a black hoodie, black Berghaus trousers and was carrying a black backpack.
Detective Superintendent Matt Smith said: "This is the second attempted robbery of a local business in the Bootle area this week and we understand how shocking this will be for everyone. I’d like to reassure everyone that we will not tolerate our businesses and staff at the heart of our communities being targeted in this manner.
"We are working tirelessly to find those responsible for these incidents and bring them to justice. We’re in the extremely early stages of our investigation into the incident at Park Avenue Post Office this afternoon and officers will remain in the area this afternoon while all lines of enquiry are followed to establish the full circumstances.
"If you were in the Park Avenue area this afternoon and witnessed anything then please speak to our officers at the scene or get in touch with us via our channels, or through Crimestoppers, anonymously. Similarly if you were driving along Park Avenue this morning and have dashcam footage then please review it and let us know if you see anything. All information you hold could be vital to our enquiries."
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101 with reference 597 of Wednesday 1 June. You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form.
It is the second time this week police received reports of shots being fired following reports on Monday afternoon at Halifax branch in Bootle strand.
