DETECTIVES investigating a shooting on Wednesday (January 18) have arrested a 22-year-old man from Whiston and a 25-year-old man from Rainhill.

The two have been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding. They have been taken to a police station in Merseyside to be interviewed.

The shooting happened at Marled Hey, Stockbridge Village at around 7.55pm.

The victim, in his 20s, was in hospital in a stable condition after sustaining serious but non life-threatening gunshot wounds to his buttock and leg.

The incident was initially thought to be targeted and police were appealing to trace the occupants of a dark-coloured VW Golf.

Chief Superintendent Peter Costello said: “Tackling the issue of gun crime is a top priority for the whole of the force and there is extensive work going on daily, targeting those people we suspect of bringing guns onto the streets. But we need our communities to stand alongside us and give information about where guns are being stored and who is involved in gun crime."

Anyone who may have information which could help them with their inquiries to contact the specialist Matrix team on 0800 230 0600, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.