Man arrested in connection with shooting in Kirkby

Detectives investigating the shooting of a 16-year-old boy in Kirkby on Monday 26 April have arrested a man in connection with the incident.

The teenager was reportedly shot at around 5.40pm after being approached by two males on Oaklee Grove - one on a scrambler bike, and one on a motorbike. He suffered an injury to the back of his leg and was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The victim remains in hospital and is in a stable condition.

A 25-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault and possession of a firearm yesterday, Wednesday 28 April. He remains in police custody where he is being questioned by detectives.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Smith said: “An investigation remains ongoing following the shooting earlier this week, and we are still keen to hear from anyone that may be able to assist with our enquiries.

“Gun crime will not be tolerated by Merseyside or the communities we serve, and we will continue to pursue any offenders who are involved. Information from the public is vital in putting individuals who use weapons to cause fear or violence before the courts, and I'd like to encourage anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area at the time, or has any CCTV or dashcam footage, to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact us via our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 21000266601.

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/give-information.