Appeal for information following attempted robbery in Netherton

We are appealing for information following an attempted robbery in Netherton this afternoon, Wednesday 1 June. 

At around 3.15pm we received a report that a man entered Park Lane Post Office and demanded cash from the till. 

When staff refused to give him cash, it was reported that he fired a gun, described by witnesses as appearing to be starting pistol, into the air. 

He was then reported to make off on a pedal bike. 

No injuries were reported and no cash was reported to have been taken. 

An investigation has been launched and officers are at the scene while extensive CCTV, witness and forensic enquiries are carried out.

The suspect is described as white male, of slim build, with long blond hair. At the time of the incident he was wearing a black hoodie, black Berghaus trousers and was carrying a black backpack. 

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information is asked to contact police. 

Road closures are currently in place on Park Lane around the junction with Hereford Drive while enquiries are carried out and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes. 

Detective Superintendent Matt Smith said:  “This is the second attempted robbery of a local business in the Bootle area this week and we understand how shocking this will be for everyone. 

“I’d like to reassure everyone that we will not tolerate our businesses and staff at the heart of our communities being targeted in this manner. We are working tirelessly to find those responsible for these incidents and bring them to justice.

“We’re in the extremely early stages of our investigation into the incident at Park Avenue Post office this afternoon and officers will remain in the area this afternoon while all lines of enquiry are followed to establish the full circumstances.

“If you were in the Park Avenue area this afternoon and witnessed anything then please speak to our officers at the scene or get in touch with us via our channels, or through Crimestoppers, anonymously. 

“Similarly if you were driving along Park Avenue this morning and have dashcam footage then please review it and let us know if you see anything. All information you hold could be vital to our enquiries.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101 with reference 597 of Wednesday 1 June. 
 
You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.