gun troblers

THE death of a man who died six days after he was shot in the face, sparking a murder probe, is the latest in a series of firearms incidents across Merseyside.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that a man has sadly died following a shooting in Old Swan on Monday January 29 2024."

At around 4.30pm, on January 29, it was reported that a man entered a flat on Haslingden Close and shot a 50-year-old man.

Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to hospital via air ambulance with a serious gunshot injury to his face where he sadly died this afternoon, Sunday February 4 2023.

The man’s next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Shay Walker, 25 years, of Stoneycroft, has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Walker is due to appear at Wirral Remand Court tomorrow, Monday February 5.

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Pye said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family of the victim who has sadly died today.

“Although a man has been charged, our investigation is ongoing and we are still appealing for anyone with information about this incident to please get in touch.

“We understand that every single incident is one too many, and I would like to reassure everyone that we are doing everything we can to remove guns from our communities and are determined and relentless in our pursuit to prevent such violent offences and the use of firearms.

“We use every piece of legislation and focus our resources towards removing weapons from our streets and target those willing to use them. This includes the use of Dispersal Zones, Public Space Protection Orders, Criminal Behaviour Orders and, when necessary and proportionate, our stop and search powers.

“We simply will not tolerate the use of firearms in Merseyside, and will relentlessly pursue anyone who uses them to cause fear and harm in the heart of our communities.”

They recovered a significant quantity of cash, suspected Class A drugs and multiple mobile phones at an address in Old Swan in the early hours of today (Tuesday 30 January), as well as items associated with the supply of drugs.

A 53-year-old man from Garston was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin, and possession of criminal property. He has been taken into custody to be questioned.

A 51-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook quoting reference 24000128746.You can also use the following link to send us any footage: https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/merseyside/appeal/appeal-for-information-relating-to-shooting-on-haslingden-close-old-swan 

Just a day before, on Saturday February 3, officers provided a high-visibility presence in Sefton following a shooting and a suspected firearm found.

At around 10.30pm on Friday 2 February they received a report that a 27-year-old man had self-presented at hospital with a gunshot wound to his ankle, which was not life threatening.

He is not co-operating with police enquiries.

Officers are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident and believe the shooting took place in the Gorsey Lane area of Litherland.

Detectives are carrying out extensive CCTV, witness and house-to-house enquiries in the area and are continuing to appeal for information.

Detective Inspector Sara Lang said: “We are treating this as a targeted incident and are continuing to carry out a number of lines of enquiry.

“We have a large police presence in the Litherland area and I would encourage people to come forward and tell us what they know.

“There is no room for guns on the streets and we will do everything we can to find the person or people responsible for this incident and bring them to justice.”

At around 4.20pm, the force received a report that a suspected firearm was found in the mud within the grounds of Bootle Golf Course on Dunningsbridge Road.

Officers attended and the weapon has been recovered, and will now be examined to see if it’s a viable firearm.

Detective Inspector Lang added: “We will always take immediate action to incidents involving guns and we are actively working to make Merseyside a safer place to live and work.

“We are committed to taking weapons off our streets and, rest assured, if you tell us about any suspected possession or offences we will investigate.

“Merseyside Police pro-actively investigates serious organised crime including the use of guns and the supply and distribution of drugs on Merseyside and is relentless in its pursuit of offenders.

“Information from the public is vital if we are to breakdown the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets.”

If you have information about the firearm discharge in Litherland then please DM our social media desk via X (formerly Twitter) @MerPolCC quoting log 967 of 2 February.

You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org

Separately, a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

The arrest follows an incident on Yew Tree Road in Halewood on Tuesday 23rd January in which a gun was fired inside a property. There were no injuries reported but damage was caused to a ceiling inside the property.

The man, who is from the Halewood area, is currently in custody where he is being interviewed by detectives.

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Anyone who has information about who is storing, carrying or using weapons is asked to contact @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bradley O’Donohue, 24, of Yew Tree Road, Halewood, has been charged and remanded into custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Wednesday 31 January.

Anyone who has information about who is storing, carrying or using weapons is asked to contact @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A Liverpool man has today, Friday 2nd February, pleaded guilty to firearms offences following incidents in Croxteth and Norris Green on Wednesday, 3rd January.

Leslie Garrett, 49, from Ternhall Road, Fazakerley, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, attempt robbery and possession of ammunition without a certificate.

He was remanded into custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing on Friday 5th April.

We are continuing to appeal for information following a non-injury firearm discharge inside a house in Kirkby yesterday evening, Friday 2 February.

Just before 7pm, we received a report that a male had entered a property on Henlow Avenue in Southdene and fired a gun, while another male waited outside.

It was further reported that the two males were dressed in black and wore balaclavas. They then rode off on purple and lime green electric bike and a black bike.

No injuries were reported.

An investigation is underway with extensive CCTV, witness and house-to-house enquiries are ongoing.

Additional uniformed police are patrolling Kirkby to provide reassurance and give residents an opportunity to raise any concerns they may have, as well as proactively targeting criminals.

Detective Inspector Graeme Osborne said: “This is truly shocking and reckless act, thankfully no-one was injured by this cowardly attack.

“We are carrying out a number of enquiries and are determined to catch the offenders. We will not tolerate the use of guns on our streets, we know the harm and devastation they cause.

“Firearms have no place on our streets and we remain committed to removing them and the people who choose to carry them. It is absolutely vital that we get all information from those communities who feel the impact of gun crime, so we can bring those responsible to justice. 

“This wouldn’t be possible without the help from residents which is vital and really helps in in bringing offenders to justice. Therefore I would urge people to continue to come forward with information so we can take action.”

If you have any information on this incident, or who has information which could help us with our inquiries, is asked to DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 with reference 846 of 2 February.