BB gun seized following reported sighting of a firearm in Hoylake

We can confirm a BB gun has been seized following a reported sighting of a firearm in Hoylake yesterday, Tuesday 1 August.

At around 6.30pm, it was reported that four people were in a black BMW, on Birkenhead Road, and that one of them was in possession of a suspected firearm.

No shots were fired and the car left the area.

Armed police were called to the incident and shortly afterwards four people were arrested near Chadwick Street, in Moreton.

A 43-year-old man from Moreton was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm, criminal damage, assault of an emergency worker, harassment without violence and drink driving.

Two other males, aged 22 and 17, as well as a 37-year-old woman, all from Moreton, were all arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.

All four people remain in police custody.

Following the reported incident, officers searched a home in Moreton and found a BB gun, which has now been seized.

Our enquiries are ongoing into this incident and we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Dave Sung said: “We take all reports of firearm incidents extremely seriously and it was pleasing to see four arrests were made so quickly after it was reported.

“BB guns can appear to be real firearms to the untrained eye and capable of causing a huge amount of fear if produced in public or used to threaten anyone.

“Although we have made four arrests, our enquiries are ongoing and we are still appealing for information.

"If you live locally and captured anything suspicious at around the time of this incident on CCTV or doorbell devices, please come forward.”

You can contact us @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, with reference 866 of 1st August.