Patrols stepped up in Waterloo following shooting

Police have stepped up patrols in Waterloo and are continuing to appeal for information following a shooting night (Friday 2 July).

At around 11.15pm, it was reported a 17-year-old male had been shot outside The Lounge Bar on South Road, near its junction with Mount Pleasant.

The victim is now in a serious but stable condition in hospital where he receiving ongoing treatment for injuries to his torso and legs consistent with being shot with a firearm.

Forensic, witness and CCTV enquiries are continuing.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Speight said: “We are following a number of lines of enquiry as we investigate this incident, and are grateful for all those who have come forward already to provide information to assist those enquires. 

“As we look to get a full picture of what happened and who is responsible I continue to appeal to anyone who saw anything, who was passing and captured dashcam footage of anything that could be significant, or anyone who has heard who may be responsible since the incident to speak to us or leave information with Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Det Chief Insp Speight added: “This shooting was the second in as many nights in Merseyside, with communities in Huyton and Waterloo sadly waking up to the news that criminals carrying firearms have brought violence to their streets in what we are treating as targeted attacks. 

"At this stage there is nothing to suggest the two incidents are linked, but as ever we will keep an open mind.

“We know how concerning this incident will be for residents and I want to give them my word that we will do everything in our power to bring all those responsible to justice.

“Thanks to information from the public and supported by Operation Target, we have carried out weapons seizures, warrants and stop checks to take firearms and the people prepared to carry them off our streets, and have seen a reduction in shootings in recent years.

“Our priority is always to protect people in Merseyside from the harm criminals with guns can bring, and all of this work will continue.

“People in Waterloo can expect to see additional officers on patrol in the coming days, and I would encourage anyone with any information or concerns to approach those officers.

“We simply will not tolerate gun violence in Merseyside, and with the public’s help we can ensure it is a place where the those criminals who store, carry and use guns have nowhere to hide.” 

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC with reference 21000462538. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.

You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.