A COUNCILLOR has accused Merseyside Police of communicating poorly with the public over the two recent shootings in Haydock.

Last week a 26-year-old man was shot in the leg on a quiet residential estate in Harty Road, which is opposite part of Sankey Valley Park.

This came less than a month after a 44-year-old man was shot in broad daylight.

Two masked men, believed to be in their 20s, approached the victim on School Street in Haydock before one blasted him in the legs.

On Tuesday, Cllr Paul McQuade told the council’s overview and scrutiny commission that residents have expressed concerns over a lack of communication regarding the two shootings.

The Blackbrook councillor said: “A number of residents turned up at my surgery and were contacting me about a lack of communication from the police.

“We’ve had two shootings now and nobody is any more informed as to who has done it, what’s going on, and basically they’re just after some sort of communication from the police.

“The two lads who have been shot must have known the assailants. The police have told us everything’s safe but that’s all we’re hearing about it.

“We’re just quite concerned there’s been no feedback from the police as to what’s going on.”

A 23-year-old man from Wigan was arrested in March on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the first shooting.

He was questioned by police then released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No arrests have been made following last week’s shooting.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said the victim, who suffered minor injuries, is not cooperating with police.

Supt Louise Harrison said the force is “committed” to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice.

“I appreciate that the public may feel concerned when they hear of incidents such as this, but I want to reassure them that Merseyside Police is committed to finding the people responsible and bringing them to justice,” she said.

“Both of these incidents were targeted attacks and investigations remain ongoing.

“Following both incidents, we stepped up high visibility patrols, carried out house-to-house enquiries and leaflet drops, spoke to local councillors and partner agencies and launched appeals in the local media.”

Supt Harrison said the force “cannot do this alone” and has made a renewed appeal for information.

“I want our communities to feel reassured that we are doing everything we can to keep our streets safe and ensure that this area and Merseyside as a whole remains a safe and enjoyable place for people to live, visit and work,” she said.

“But we cannot do this alone. We need people to come forward and give us information.”