Re-Appeal For Information - Injury Shooting - Akenside Street - Bootle

Merseyside Police is appealing for information following an injury shooting in Bootle on Saturday 4 August that left four young males in hospital with shotgun injuries.

Emergency services were called to the Akenside Street area just after 11.30pm to a report that a 17-year-old male had been shot. A short while later, three other males, a 15 year old and two 17 year olds, sought medical attention for shotgun injuries.

All four males are currently in hospital receiving treatment for their injuries, which are not thought to be life threatening.

It is believed that the males sustained their injuries in an incident that took place in the Akenside Street and Violet Road area of Bootle just before 11.30pm.

The scene has been sealed while forensic examination takes place, CCTV is being examined and house to house enquiries are well underway. High visibility patrols have been stepped up in the local area to reassure residents.

Detectives are treating the shooting as a targeted attack and believe that it is linked to previous shootings in the Bootle area in recent days.

They are currently following a number of lines of enquiry, but are appealing for the public's help in uncovering the circumstances that led to the shooting.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the Akenside Street and Violet Road area, or the surrounding streets or park areas, between the hours of 10.30pm and 11.30pm on Saturday 4th August 2012.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a group or groups of young people in this area armed with sticks or similar looking weapons.

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: "Merseyside Police is appealing for information about the incident and the circumstances that led to the attack and would ask that people make contact with the investigation team.

"Information from the community is vital in gaining an understanding about what happened and we urge anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious to come forward, anonymously through Crimestoppers if necessary.

"It is understood that this incident is part of an on-going feud between two rival gangs in the local area. This type of incident and behaviour will not be tolerated and we can assure the community that Merseyside Police is committed to capturing those people responsible for these horrendous acts. "

It is also believed that the victims may have been to a music event at the Albert Dock earlier in the day and then gone on to a house party in Seaforth with a group of young females. Officers are keen to speak to these females who may have information that could assist the investigation.

Merseyside Police urges those who have information about this incident, about gun crime in general or know where firearms are being stored to contact them on 0151 777 5699 or the independent, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.