POLICE are hunting for two suspects who left the scene of the shooting on the Golden Lion pub car park on an electric bike.

As the Star has reported, a man was reportedly shot by another man outside the pub in the car park at around 4.20pm on Sunday, July 31.

Armed police and an air ambulance attended the scene on Church Road, and police cordoned off the area.

St Helens Star: The air ambulance attending Pic: Andy GriceThe air ambulance attending Pic: Andy Grice

It is understood a christening party was taking place at the pub at the time of the shooting, which is believed to be a "targeted" attack.

The victim was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening. 

An investigation was launched including CCTV, forensic and witness inquiries.

St Helens Star: Police at the scene on SundayPolice at the scene on Sunday

A police spokeswoman said on Tuesday the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing and no arrests have yet been made.

She added that the two "unknown male suspects" had entered and left the car park on an electric bike.

Rainford residents were left "shocked" by the incident which has been described as an "isolated" incident with "no wider threat to the community".

READ > Village left 'shocked' after shooting in pub car park

The area around the pub remained sealed off by officers until the following day.

The Golden Lion reopened and began trading again as normal during the day on Monday.

St Helens Star: Police on Church Road on MondayPolice on Church Road on Monday

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information is asked to contact police. 

READ > Pub thanks community for support after 'shock' of shooting in car park

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."

St Helens Star: Police outside the pub on Monday morningPolice outside the pub on Monday morning

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.