Man arrested following injury shooting in Rainford

Detectives investigating an injury shooting in Rainford last week have arrested a man today, Monday 8 August. 

At around 4.20pm on Sunday 31 July, we received a report that a man had been shot in the leg by another man in the car park of the Golden Lion Pub on Church Road. 

It was reported that two male suspects wearing dark clothing entered the pub grounds on an electric bike, and left on the same bike a short time later.

Emergency services attended, and the victim was taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries. He has since been discharged. 

Following extensive enquiries, police have now arrested a 21-year-old man from Kirkby on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and Section 18 Wounding. 

He was taken into custody and will be questioned by officers. 

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information is asked to contact police. 

Detective Inspector John Mullen from our Firearms Investigation Team said: “This was an extremely shocking incident for the community in Rainford and, for the past week, our officers have been working round-the-clock to find those responsible and bring them to justice. 

“While we have made one arrest, rest assured, our enquiries into the shooting remain very much ongoing. 

“I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with information to help our investigation so far. I’d continue to urge anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the Rainford area last Sunday afternoon to let us know. 

“Your information could be vital to help us piece together the movements of two male suspects on an electric bike shortly before the incident took place. 

“If you were in the vicinity of the Golden Lion, between 3pm and 4pm on Sunday 31 July, and saw anything, or captured any footage on dashcam, mobile phone or other devices, then please come forward. 

“Even if you thought that something you heard or saw was insignificant at the time, please make sure you tell us now. Please don’t assume that something you know is irrelevant to our investigation -  your information could be key to helping us find those responsible and removing them from our streets. 

“Whether you get in touch with us directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers, let us know and we will take action to remove dangerous weapons and those who use them from our communities.”

If you witnessed this incident or have any information, please direct message @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101 with reference 22000552993.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, you can report via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online/

Anyone with any footage, can upload this to be viewed by police via the following link to the NICE website here: 
https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/merseyside/appeal/22000552993-a