SHOTGUN RECOVERED AFTER SHOOTING - AKENSIDE STREET - BOOTLE

MERSEYSIDE Police have confirmed that the emergency services were called to the Akenside Street and Violet Road area of Bootle, just after 11.30pm, on Saturday, 4 August 2012. They had responded to a report that a 17 year old male had been shot. A short while later, 3 other males, a 15 year old and 2, 17 year olds, sought medical attention for shotgun injuries. They are currently following a number of lines of enquiry, but are appealing for the public's help in uncovering the circumstances that led to the shooting. Officers are still very keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in area, between the hours of 10.30pm and 11.30pm on Saturday, 4 August 2012. It is also believed that the victims may have been to a music event at the Albert Dock earlier in the day and then gone on to a house party in Seaforth with a group of young females. Officers are keen to speak to these females who may have information that could assist the investigation. Detectives are treating the shooting as a targeted attack and believe that it is linked to previous shootings in the Bootle area in recent days. A Merseyside Police spokesperson said:- "Merseyside Police is appealing for information about the incident and the circumstances that led to the attack and would ask that people make contact with the investigation team. Information from the community is vital in gaining an understanding about what happened and we urge anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious to come forward, anonymously through Crimestoppers if necessary. It is understood that this incident is part of an on-going feud between two rival gangs in the local area. This type of incident and behaviour will not be tolerated and we can assure the community that Merseyside Police is committed to capturing those people responsible for these horrendous acts." On 7 August 2012, after the recovery of the shotgun, Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Richardson, Head of Matrix, added:- "Following information from a member of the public an extensive search is being undertaken on a disused railway line where a shotgun was recovered. This find shows how important information from our communities can be and I am grateful for the support we have received since the events of Saturday evening. Together we can make an impact on the small number of people who are putting our communities at risk. We still want more information though. We will act on all information received and if you know who is involved in the recent incidents in Bootle, or have information which could support our investigation, and give us the evidence we need to put these people before the courts and behind bars." Merseyside Police urges those who have information about this incident, about gun crime in general or know where firearms are being stored to contact them on:- 0151 777 5699 or the independent, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.