Merseyside Police were called to a playing field on Hapsford Road, Litherland to reports of several loud bangs and shouting – the area has been taped off while investigations are carried out
Police swarmed on a children’s play park after reports of gunshots fired in a nearby field. Merseyside Police raced to a playing field on Hapsford Road, Litherland, just before 9.45pm on Wednesday, November 19, after receiving reports of several loud bangs and shouting heard in the vicinity.
It was also reported that five teenagers were seen heading towards the train station, some on foot and others on electric or push bikes. Police have cordoned off a substantial area of Hapsford Park, an adjacent field, and Hapsford Road while investigations are underway, the Liverpool Echo reports.
A spokesperson for the force stated that police have reviewed CCTV footage in the area for any evidence of firearm use and house-to-house inquiries have been conducted.
Local residents informed the ECHO that police officers were concentrating their efforts on a section of a field near Hapsford Road Park last night. Police dogs were also observed during the ongoing investigation.
The field where police were sighted is close to the children’s play park, which has been cordoned off.
Residents also reported hearing loud bangs, similar to the sound of fireworks, shortly before police arrived in the area. They reported seeing police officers meticulously searching through the park at around 9pm yesterday (Wednesday).
Detective Edward Barr appealed: “I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, saw the group of youths shortly after, or has any information which could help us with our inquiries to come forward.
“I would also like to appeal to anyone who lives in the area, who has doorbell camera footage that may have captured the incident to get in touch.
“I would like to reassure residents that our officers immediately respond to incidents such as these and is actively working to make Merseyside a safer place to live and work.
“We are relentless in our pursuit of such offenders who may be carrying dangerous weapons in our community and urge anyone who has any information to contact us so we can find those responsible.”
Anyone with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage or information about this incident should contact Merseyside Police’s social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.
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