Murder investigation underway following fatal shooting in Kirkby

We have launched a murder investigation after a man was fatally shot in Kirkby this evening, Wednesday 17 July.

At around 6.35pm, we received a report from North West Ambulance Service that a 36-year-old man had been shot on Quarryside Drive and paramedics were treating him at the scene.

Officers attended and the victim was taken to hospital by paramedics where he was sadly pronounced dead a short time later. His next of kin have been informed and will be supported by specialist family liaison officers.

A police cordon is currently in place at the scene while crime scene investigators carry out forensic examinations. Extensive CCTV enquiries are also being carried out in the area and house-to-house inquiries are taking place.

High visibility patrols have been stepped up to provide reassurance to the community and officers will be available to speak to anyone who may have concerns.

Detective Superintendent Mark Drew said: “A murder investigation is underway this evening following an appalling and tragic incident in which a man has lost his life after he was fatally shot. Our thoughts first and foremost are with his family, who are trying to come to terms with his loss.

“We are still in the very early stages of the investigation as we seek to establish why the incident took place and who was involved.

“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at around 6.35pm and witnessed the incident to contact Merseyside Police. If you live in the area, please check your CCTV, dashcam devices or doorbell footage and if you see anything suspicious, please let us know. Any information you provide, however insignificant it may seem, could be vital to our investigation.”

Detective Superintendent Drew added: “There is no room for guns on the streets of Merseyside and we will do everything within our power to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“My message to those involved in gun crime and serious organised crime is clear – Merseyside Police will never rest, we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved.

“Information from the public is vital if we are to breakdown the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.

“I completely understand that speaking up could be daunting, but when people are willing to support the police we will ensure every possible avenue is progressed to protect them.

“And if you don’t feel comfortable coming directly to the police you can call the independent, anonymous, Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111, we need to know who is involved in gun crime and where those guns are being stored.”

If you have any information about this incident, you can call 101, DM us @MerPolCC on social media, quoting log number 830 of 17^th July.