Gunman ‘opens fire inside Liverpool pub’ and blasts man in chest during first night of bars reopening across UK
- Armed police were called to Old Bank pub in Huyton, Merseyside, last night
- Man in his 20s was found near the pub with injuries to his chest and is in hospital
- One witness said that the gunman fired two shots while running through the pub
A gunman is on the loose after shooting a man in the chest at a Liverpool pub on the first night bars reopened their indoor spaces across the UK.
Armed police were called to the Old Bank pub in Huyton, Merseyside, at about 8.20pm last night after reports of a shooting.
Merseyside police said a man in his 20s was found near the pub with injuries to his chest and is currently in hospital.
Forensics officers began scouring the scene last night and evidence was found that shots had been fired.
Armed police were called to the Old Bank pub in Huyton, Merseyside, at about 8.20pm last night after reports of a shooting. Pictured: Forensics officers at the scene
One witness said that the gunman fired two shots while running through the pub before shooting the victim in the doorway.
They told the Liverpool Echo: ‘The lad ran in there was running round the pub looking about, shot twice and then ran out, and as he ran out he shot someone in the door way, and ran off.’
Chief Inspector Steve Hardy said: ‘Although the exact circumstances are to be confirmed, we initially believe that the victim was shot inside the pub, before being found injured a short time later.
‘That shots have been fired inside a public place will understandably shock those in the local community and beyond.
Merseyside police said a man in his 20s was found near the pub with injuries to his chest and is currently in hospital
‘We believe that people inside or close to the location will have seen or heard something, and we’re looking to speak to all of those people as soon as possible.’
‘Such incidents have decreased a lot in recent months, and key to seizing weapons and putting people before the courts is information held in the areas affected.
‘We understand the worry that people sometimes have when talking to police so whether you come forward directly or anonymously to Crimestoppers, tell us what you know.’
Officers are now appealing for help from any witnesses who may have seen the gunman ‘running off’.
Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police with reference 1016 of 17 May.
You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 20000085245 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.