A COMMUNITY has reacted with shock after a “targeted” shooting took place in a car park outside a village pub in broad daylight.
A man was shot in the leg in the car park of the Golden Lion at around 4.20pm on Sunday, July 31.
Armed police and an air ambulance attended the scene on Church Road, Rainford, and police cordoned off the area around the pub.
An investigation has been launched including CCTV, forensic and witness inquiries.
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.
Rainford councillor Linda Mussell, who was at the nearby cricket match, said: “It is shocking, but thankfully an isolated event.
“I was at the cricket match nearby and heard a bang. I thought it was a bird scarer.
"It was only when the cricket match was delayed and the air ambulance came that we realised something untoward had happened.
“We had to stay in the Pavillion area until the police removed the cordon.
“It is shocking and it is an isolated incident."
Cllr Mussell added: “We support the police in their work and they have a mobile police station in the village to give reassurance, and the police are supporting the villagers with increased police presence".
One Rainford resident said to the Star: “It is shocking, it just isn’t something you’d ever expect to happen in Rainford. The police have been on the road since yesterday. I just hope everyone is OK.”
READ > Pub thanks community for support after 'shock' of shooting in car park
On Sunday, 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 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."
He added: “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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