A 36-year-old man has been shot dead in a quiet Liverpool suburb this evening, sparking fears from locals over ‘gun crime’ in the area.
The victim, who has not yet been named, was shot in ‘appalling and tragic incident’ on Quarryside Drive, Kirby around 6.35pm today, Merseyside Police have said.
He was treated at the scene by emergency responders and transported to hospital, where he died shortly after. His next of kin have been informed and will be supported by specialist family liaison officers.
A heavy police presence and cordon remain in place at the scene as crime scene investigators are carry out their forensic examinations.
The shooting has prompted concern amongst locals, with one claiming they are ‘afraid to walk out alone’ and another alleging violence in the community has them ‘wanting to move’.
A 36-year-old man, who has not yet been named, was shot on Quarryside Drive, Kirby around 6.35pm today
Merseyside Police launched a murder investigation, which they say ‘still in the very early stages’, after the victim was shot this evening.
Officers are currently working to determine motive and who was involved in the shooting.
They have appealed that any witnesses come forward and asked residents to check their CCTVs, doorbell cameras and dashcams for any footage that could help with their investigation.
‘A murder investigation is underway this evening following an appalling and tragic incident in which a man has lost his life after he was fatally shot,’ Detective Superintendent Mark Drew said in a press release.
‘Our thoughts first and foremost are with his family, who are trying to come to terms with his loss.’
Meanwhile, locals say the act of violence has left them feeling very afraid.
One resident told The Liverpool Echo: ‘What I’m fearful of is that there are always kids out in the street. I feel sorry for the community. Every one of us is afraid to walk out alone.’
Another resident, who has been living in Kirkby for three years and ‘seen it all’, said it is a ‘good community’ but has questioned: ‘Why should everyone live in fear? I’ve been wanting to move because of it.’
Det Supt Drew also slammed the violence in the area, saying there is ‘no room for guns on the streets of Merseyside’ and vowed to ‘do everything within our power to ensure those responsible are brought to justice’.
The victim was treated at the scene by emergency responders and transported to hospital, where he died shortly after. His next of kin have been informed and will be supported by specialist family liaison officers
‘My message to those involved in gun crime and serious organised crime is clear – Merseyside Police will never rest, we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved,’ he said.
‘Information from the public is vital if we are to breakdown the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.
He continued: ‘I completely understand that speaking up could be daunting, but when people are willing to support the police we will ensure every possible avenue is progressed to protect them.’
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call 101 or DM the force at @MerPolCC on social media, quoting log number 830 of 17.
Det Supt Drew noted that those who do not feel comfortable contacting the force directly can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
‘We need to know who is involved in gun crime and where those guns are being stored,’ he added.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
