A PUB has expressed thanks to the support staff have received from the community after the shock of a "targeted" shooting taking place in the car park.
Staff at the Golden Lion in Rainford were left "shaken" after the incident which happened on Sunday afternoon, July 31, at around 4.20pm in which a man was shot in the leg.
Armed police and an air ambulance attended the scene on Church Road, and police cordoned off the area.
The area around the pub has been sealed off by officers, who have remained at the scene today.
None of the pub staff witnessed the incident but is understood one of them rushed to give first aid to the victim.
In a public statement, The Golden Lion said: "There was an isolated incident in our rear car park in which we believe a targeted attack happened and a gun was present.
"The victim's injuries are not life threatening.
"There was a private christening event happening in our marquee and the victim was part of this party.
"Also, just to put everyone’s mind at ease, we do not know any member of the party as they are not from the village."
It added: "Police are confident that this is an isolated incident and will be present on our premises until at least (Tuesday) morning whilst they continue their investigations.
"All our staff are safe and not injured but obviously a bit shook up. They appreciate the words of support we have already received."
Chief Inspector Phil Cowin said on Sunday: “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."
He added: “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 this afternoon 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.”
- 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, July 31.
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