Man arrested following injury shooting in Kirkby

Detectives have arrested a man and are appealing for information following an injury shooting in Kirkby last night, Monday 30 September.
 
At around 8.55pm, armed officers were called to Simonswood Lane to a report that a man in his 60s had been shot in the leg. He was taken to hospital for assessment and is currently in a stable condition.

A 41-year-old man from Kirkby has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding with intent and Possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. He has been taken to a police station for questioning.

Officers will be in the area this morning to carry out house-to-house, CCTV, forensic and witness enquiries, and to provide reassurance to the local community.
 
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Atkinson leads our Firearms Investigation Team (FIT), and said: "Although our inquiries are at an early stage, we believe that this was a targeted shooting, but we are keeping an open mind as to the motive. Thankfully, the victim is stable in hospital but any shooting on our streets has the potential to cause devastation, and we are making extensive inquiries to find those responsible.
 
“If you live in the local area and saw or heard anything, or were passing by at the time of the incident, please check CCTV, dashcam or other devices and come forward. A small detail may prove key to this investigation.
 
“We will take positive action when information is provided, whether you speak to us directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers, which is independent of police.”
 
Knowsley Local Policing Superintendent Karl Baldwin said: "Our officers will be in the area in the coming days to assist the investigation of this reckless attack and provide a visible presence, and I would encourage anyone with information to come forward at the earliest opportunity. 
 
“A Section 60 order is also in place until 2am tomorrow (Wednesday) to enable us to stop and search those we suspect of being involved in criminality.
 
“We understand the concern that gun crime causes, and we're determined to remove people and their weapons from circulation to make the community safer.”
 
You can contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with reference 24000837972.