A man remains in hospital after being shot in a pub car park over the weekend.
The victim was shot in the leg by another man at the car park of The Golden Lion pub, on Church Road, in Rainford on Sunday, July 31. Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports of the shooting at around 4.20pm.
Police have confirmed that the victim is receiving treatment in hospital for non-life threatening injuries. A number of people told the ECHO at the time of the incident a christening was taking place at the pub and a cricket match was also being held at the cricket club behind the venue.
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One person told the ECHO the match was stopped so the air ambulance could land nearby. The front of The Golden Lion pub and around the back was cordoned off by police. Forensics were also carrying out enquiries.
Chief Inspector Phil Cowin said: "We are in the extremely early stages of our investigation and are working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances of a shooting at the Golden Lion pub this afternoon which has left a man injured. We believe that this was a targeted attack and there is no wider threat to the community in Rainford following this incident.
"Nonetheless, we know that witnessing a shooting in a pub in broad daylight would have been incredibly shocking. I want to reassure people that detectives are working round-the-clock to find the person responsible and bring them to justice.
"Shootings such as this in Rainford, thankfully, remain rare and the number of shootings on Merseyside is at its lowest for 21 years. However, one reckless incident like this is one too many, and I’d appeal to anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible.
"If you were in the Rainford area around 4pm this afternoon and witnessed anything or anyone suspicious then please let us know. Similarly, if you were driving along Church Road and have dashcam footage, please review it and tell us if you see anything.
"At this early stage of our investigation, all information you hold could be vital to our investigation. Whether you speak to our officers at the scene, or get in touch anonymously though Crimestoppers, please contact us and help us keep our communities safe.
"There is no room for guns and the fear and harm that they bring on the streets of Merseyside and we will do everything within our power to ensure the person responsible is put before the courts."
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