Man arrested after firearm seen in Kensington

We have arrested a man after a report a firearm was brandished by a man in Kensington on Friday, 3 November.

It was reported a man in his 40s was threatened with what appeared to be a firearm after meeting another man to sell his pushbike on Sheil Road at around 8pm.

The incident happened at the junction with Molyneux Road, when the offender walked towards the victim holding what was described as a black handgun. The victim cycled away towards Lime Street and reported the incident to police.

He was unharmed but extremely shaken.

Following the incident, an investigation was launched and a 30-year-old man from Kensington was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He was taken into custody to be interviewed today (Friday 24 November).

Officers also executed a search warrant at a property, where they seized shotgun cartridges and controlled drugs.

Detective Inspector Mike Fletcher said: “Merseyside Police proactively investigates serious organised crime, including the use of guns and the supply and distribution of drugs on Merseyside, and is relentless in its pursuit of offenders.

“We have worked hard over previous years to bring down the number of firearms on our streets and we will do everything in our power to prevent further discharges and loss of life. We immediately respond to incidents involving guns and are actively working to make Merseyside a safer place to live and work.

“While the use of firearms has dramatically reduced in recent years, they have still led to the tragic loss of young, innocent lives in Merseyside. We have used every resource at our disposal to make sure anyone responsible for such heinous crimes faces justice, and I hope the long jail terms handed out recently demonstrate that Merseyside Police and the justice system take the use of such weapons extremely seriously."

Det Insp Mike Fletcher added: “Communities need to take a stand and help us to make the streets safer. Information from the public is vital if we are to breakdown the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets.

“I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to our communities for information which could help us to take positive action against those involved in gun crime and make our streets safer. If you have any information about those involved in gun crime, or where these people are storing their weapons, DM @MerPolCC on X or message Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook.

“You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, no-one will know that you have made that call. We will act on all information.”