Man arrested after grenade found in Bootle

We have arrested a man in connection with a grenade found in Bootle earlier this week.
 
At around 1.10pm on Monday 4 November, we received a report of a possible grenade inside the boot of a Ford Fiesta on Strand Road.
 
A cordon was and several homes and businesses were evacuated as a precaution. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit has attended the scene and the item was detonated at a safe location. The car has been forensically seized.

Last night, Thursday 7 November, a 27-year-old man from Bootle was arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of Possession of a firearm without a certificate. He has been taken to a police station for questioning.
 
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Atkinson said: “Our investigation continues with this arrest and I’d continue to appeal to anyone with information to come forward at the earliest opportunity. 
 
“This incident could have ended in devastation and understandably caused alarm in the community. Tell us what you know and we will do the rest.”
 
Anyone with information on the storage or possession of weapons is urged to contact us via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook. You can also pass on information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or their online form Give Information Anonymously | Crimestoppers.