A MAN was shot in the leg at a pub car park in Rainford yesterday afternoon.
The victim was rushed to hospital to be treated for his injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening at this stage.
Merseyside Police have launched an investigation into the serious incident, with the suspect[s] currently remaining at large.
Limited details have been released but here's an update on what we know so far.
READ > Police cordon off area after ‘targeted shooting’ outside pub
What happened?
Police were called to reports of a shooting at the Golden Lion pub on Church Road, Rainford, at around 4.20pm on Sunday, July 31.
It was reported that a private christening was taking place in the pub marquee.
In what has been described as a "targeted attack", a man was shot in the leg in the pub car park.
The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was taken to hospital for serious, but not life-threatening injuries.
Has there been an arrest?
There has not been any arrest at present, with the suspect[s] currently remaining at large.
Police are asking the public for any information they may have on the incident.
Understood as a targeted shooting, officers do not believe there is any wider threat to the public.
What have residents said?
Residents reported seeing a large police presence in Rainford following the incident, including armed police, a helicopter, and an air ambulance.
Hundreds of people were said to be present at a cricket match at Rainford Cricket Club, at the back of the Golden Lion.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang and people leaving the pub in distress.
The suspect[s] are said to have driven away in a vehicle.
There have been no reports of any other injuries.
Where is the investigation up to?
Police said that they are in the early stages of their investigation and working to establish the full circumstances of the shooting.
CCTV, forensic and witness inquiries were launched yesterday afternoon as officers try to locate those responsible for the attack.
Police cordoned off the area around the Golden Lion pub while they investigate the incident, with a police presence remaining at the scene this morning.
They are also asking anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information to contact police.
Has there been a suggestion of the motive?
There has not been any suggestion of a motive at present, but police do believe it was a targeted attack.
What have police said?
Chief Inspector Phil Cowin said: “We are in the extremely early stages of our investigation and are working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances of a shooting at the Golden Lion pub this afternoon which has left a man injured.
“We believe that this was a targeted attack and there is no wider threat to the community in Rainford following this incident.
“Nonetheless, we know that witnessing a shooting in a pub in broad daylight would have been incredibly shocking. I want to reassure people that detectives are working round-the-clock to find the person responsible and bring them to justice.
“Shootings such as this in Rainford, thankfully, remain rare and the number of shootings on Merseyside is at its lowest for 21 years. However, one reckless incident like this is one too many, and I’d appeal to anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible.
“If you were in the Rainford area around 4pm [on Sunday, July 31] and witnessed anything or anyone suspicious then please let us know. Similarly, if you were driving along Church Road and have dashcam footage, please review it and tell us if you see anything.
“At this early stage of our investigation, all information you hold could be vital to our investigation. Whether you speak to our officers at the scene, or get in touch anonymously though Crimestoppers, please contact us and help us keep our communities safe.
“There is no room for guns and the fear and harm that they bring on the streets of Merseyside and we will do everything within our power to ensure the person responsible is put before the courts.”
How to contact police if you have information
If you witnessed this incident or have any information, please direct message @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101 with log 754 of Sunday 31 July.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel