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Emergency services were at Botanic Gardens in Liverpool following an injury shooting in the park yesterday evening, Friday 19 May.
Just before 6.30pm, officers received a report that a teenage boy had been found with gun shot wounds at the Wavetree Botanic Gardens.
Emergency services later found the teenage boy at an address on Parton Street with gun shot wounds to his arm and leg. The victim was taken to hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.
Following enquiries, a scene was established in Botanic Gardens, where evidence consistent with shots being fired was found.
An investigation has been launched and extensive forensic examinations and witness enquiries are ongoing.
Armed patrols remain in the area and anyone who witnessed the shooting or with any information is asked to contact the police.
Chief Inspector Jim Wilde said, “We are in the early stages of an investigation into a shooting which has left a teenage boy injured.
“We understand the fear that gun crime causes and I’d like to assure the community in Wavertree that Merseyside Police is fully committed to tackling gun crime and will immediately pursue those who are prepared to use firearms on our streets.
“The possession of firearms and dangerous weapons will not be tolerated in Merseyside. Therefore I would appeal to anyone who was in Botanic Gardens and saw the incident or anything or anyone suspicious to come forward and let us know.
“Similarly, if you have doorbell footage and live in the surrounding area then please review it and tell us if you see anything. Information you hold could be vital to our ongoing investigation.”
Detective Chief Inspector Caff Cummings, said, “We fully understand the fears and tragedies gun crime has caused in our communities in the last year therefore I would appeal to anyone with dashcam footage driving in the area of Wavertree Park, Botanic Road, including Edge Lane and Innovation Boulevard at around 6.30pm yesterday to please contact police as they may have material to support our investigation.
“To fire a gun in a public place is reckless and callous and officers are working to remove such individuals from our streets and put them behind bars.
“Our investigation is still in the very early stages and will rely heavily on information we receive from the public.
“I urge any residents who live in the surrounding area and has any doorbell or CCTV footage from yesterday evening to please check their systems. If you saw what happened or have any information which could help us, please get in touch so we can bring those responsible to justice.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or with log 891 of Friday 19 May.
You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously
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