A WOMAN has been taken to hospital after being shot by police in Liverpool following allegations she was brandishing a knife.

Merseyside Police said officers were called to reports a was woman armed with a knife on Cairns Street in Toxteth at 1.50pm on Thursday.

A force spokesman said: "Patrols attended the scene and a female was shot by police and suffered an injury to her upper body. The woman has been taken to hospital for treatment.

"An investigation is underway and the area is currently cordoned off.

"The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)."

The force said officers were still dealing with the incident.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “We have begun an independent investigation after a woman was shot by Merseyside Police in the Toxteth area of Liverpool today (Thursday 9 July).

"The incident was referred to us, as is mandatory in these circumstances, at 2:45pm.

“Our investigation is in its very early stages and we have investigators attending the scene and the post incident procedures to begin gathering evidence. The woman is currently being treated in hospital.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.”