It has now been confirmed that a shooting that took place next to a skate park is being treated as a targeted attack.
Lancashire Police confirmed officers were called to Birch Green Road in Skelmersdale at 6.11pm yesterday (Wednesday, November 9) over reports of a gun being fired. A man in his 30s was found with a gunshot wound to his leg and was taken to hospital where he is being treated. His injury is not thought to be life-threatening.
The police force has now confirmed that the incident, which saw dozens of police cars descend on the housing estate, is being treated as a targeted attack. Chief Inspector Al Davies, of Lancashire Police, said: “We know that the local community will be concerned by this incident, and I want to make it very clear that gun crime will not be tolerated on our streets.
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“Were you in the Birch Green Road area at the time? Did you witness anything suspicious? I would encourage anyone with information or CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage to come forward because it could be vital to our investigation.”
In a statement posted on the force's social media channels, it said: "At this stage, we are treating the offence as a targeted attack, however, we want to reassure residents. Extra patrols, including mounted officers, will be in the area over the coming days. If you have any concerns, please speak to one of our officers.
"As part of our enquiries, some areas are still closed off whilst we investigate, and we are aware that this will be causing some disruption. We aim to get back to normality as soon as possible and we want to thank you for your cooperation during this time."
No arrests have been made.
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