Horrified parents are "worrying for their children's safety" after reports of shots being fired near a school.
Merseyside Police was called to Shaw Lane, Prescot, after shots were reportedly fired at a property on Wednesday.
Officers were called at around 7.45pm and a large police presence remains in place as investigations continue.
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Police confirmed two men riding a motorbike reportedly fired a gun at a house, damaging some brickwork.
Witnesses claimed two masked men fired the shots but no injuries were reported.
On Thursday morning, horrified parents were unable to access their usual route to the nearby St Mary and St Paul's primary school as they were diverted.
One woman said it was "worrying" something happened "so close to a primary school" but said she was unaware of an incident until seeing the police cordon in the morning.
Another woman, who has lived in Prescot her whole life, told the ECHO : "On the whole it's not a bad place to live but the few ruin it for the majority.
"It is worrying for the children.
"I don't like my child being out alone as things are just getting worse."
Many parents on the school run, some of whom were diverted across the field to avoid being late, said it "wasn't great for the young ones to see police right outside."
A resident on Shaw Lane said the road used to be an "alright place to live" with issues arising elsewhere, but things seem to have "taken a turn and now around here is bad".
They added that it was "awful" to see the incident occur to close to a school.
The cordon ended at the junction of Gregson Road and part of Bryer Road was also cordoned off.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We are appealing for information after reports a house was shot at in Prescot last night (Wednesday 2 February).
"At around 7.45pm yesterday evening officers were called to Shaw Lane after it was reported that shots had been fired at a house on the street, damaging the brickwork.
"It was further reported that two masked men riding a motorbike had fired the shots at the property.
"No one was injured during the incident.
"An investigation has commenced and officers will remain in the area to carry out forensic, CCTV, house-to-house and witness enquiries, and to speak to the local community.
"If you have any CCTV footage or information about this incident, please DM our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ quoting incident reference 22000080612.
"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."
One passer-by who was out walking their dog said the "area is just getting worse, it's not a nice place to live anymore".
Concerns have previously been raised in the area over anti-social behaviour, as one local business said they too have been subjected to abuse.
In the last few months dispersal orders have been put in place by Merseyside police in Prescot, that covers the area including Shaw Lane.
The orders have been put in place due to anti-social behaviour in the area, including gangs gathering an intimidating residents and local businesses.
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