Second arrest in connection with Belle Vale shooting

A second man has been arrested following a shooting in Belle Vale on Friday 17 November.

At around 2.35pm, officers received a report two shots had been fired on Lee Park Avenue.

A group of youths were reported to have been involved in an altercation with the driver of a Land Rover, before a male arrived on an electric bike and reportedly discharged a firearm in the direction of the group. There were no reported injuries.

A 24-year-old man from Allerton was arrested in the early hours of today (Friday 16 February) on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and was taken into custody for questioning. He has now been conditionally bailed.

On the evening of the incident, a 23-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life/enable another to do so. He was later conditionally bailed.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Atkinson said: “We have made significant progress in this investigation, and I hope our efforts to arrests suspects and bring offenders to justice underlines our commitment to tackling gun crime.

“We will continue to target those involved in serious and organised crime, including those prepared to use guns on our streets with no regard for other members of the community.

“Carrying or using firearms and dangerous weapons on our streets will not be tolerated in Merseyside and I would like to reassure residents that we are taking this, and any incident involving firearms, extremely seriously.

“Information from our community is vital if we are to stop people carrying these dangerous weapons in Merseyside, so if you know where they are being stored or who is storing and using them, please tell us and we will take action.”

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPol or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 23001151993.