“I’ve never seen so many police”
Police scene on Waddicar Lane in Melling this afternoon(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Armed officers, helicopters and a swarm of police vehicles descended on Melling this morning after a man was shot in the neck. The shooting happened outside a Go Local store on Waddicar Lane around 11.15am on Wednesday, July 1.
A 44-year-old man from Netherton was shot with an air rifle, he was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition, police confirmed. Police arrested a 35-year-old man from Melling nearby on suspicion of S18 wounding and possession of a firearm, he remains in custody.
Residents first heard the sound of helicopters above the area, before seeing dozens of police descend on Waddicar Lane. Videos seen by the ECHO show a convoy of at least ten emergency services vehicles race to the scene in the moments after the attack.
A large section of Waddicar Lane was cordoned off for several hours. There was earlier speculation a shop worker had been attacked, however speaking to the ECHO at the scene this afternoon, the Go Local owner quashed those rumours, claiming a Go Local customer who was visiting the area had been attacked. He claimed the shooting happened following a dispute outside the shop.
People living nearby said the man was “sitting up” before being taken to hospital in an ambulance, adding that he “thankfully seemed ok.” Outside the cordon people claimed they’d “never seen so many police.”
Nearby, on Andrew Avenue, residents were shocked to see armed police descend on the residential street and arrest a man. One couple, who had recently moved to the area, said: “We actually saw it on our ring doorbell. It flashed up and there was dozens of police there.
Others said they saw the incident happen outside their homes. One person said: “We think he’s come over the back [pointing at their garden fence].”
Police said an investigation remains ongoing and house-to-house, CCTV and witness enquiries are being carried out in the local area. A mobile police station will be in the area this evening to reassure the public.
People are also being urged to avoid speculating. Sefton neighbourhood Chief Inspector Dave Uren said: “I would ask members of the public to avoid speculating or spreading rumours about this incident as we continue to investigate the circumstances.
“Anyone who has any concerns is asked to speak to our officers at the mobile police station.”
In a statement after the attack, CI Dave Uren said: “The investigation is in the very early stages as we speak to witnesses and establish what has taken place.
“A man has been taken to hospital and we have made an arrest but we would urgently appeal for anyone who was in the area of Waddicar Lane this morning who heard or saw anything suspicious to contact us.
“Weapons have no place on the streets of Merseyside as we know the devastation they can cause so my appeal would be for the public to support us by telling us what they know.”
Anyone with information which could assist with enquiries is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC.
You can also report information via the police website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101 quoting log number 364 of 1 July.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously
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