3 arrested in connection with murder of Michael Rainsford

MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives have arrested three people in connection with a fatal shooting in Litherland earlier this week. Shortly before 11.10pm on Tuesday, 7 April 2020, officers were called to Harrington Road, Litherland, following reports a 20 year old man had been shot through the window of a house by offenders believed to be on an electric bike outside. Emergency services attended and the victim, 20 year old Michael Rainsford, was taken to Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later. A Home Office Post Mortem confirmed the cause of death as gunshot wounds. Following enquiries, officers arrested 3 males on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident.

A 22 year old man from Seaforth has since been released on conditional bail, while a 17 year old, from Kirkby, and a 17 year old, from Netherton currently remain in Police custody. An investigation is ongoing and detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to come forward. Detective Superintendent Richie Salter said:- "We continue to carry out a number of enquiries following the murder or Michael Rainsford earlier this week and I would urge those who may have information and haven’t come forward yet, to please contact us. We now believe the offenders may have arrived and left the scene using an electric bike. We keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area and seen an electric bike around the time of the incident and would ask you to please get in touch. Likewise, if you have any further information, dashcam or CCTV footage, please let us know. Any information you provide may prove vital to the investigation."

You can contact us with any information at:- 101 quoting reference:- '20000205585,' or anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.  Since the shooting the house has been adorned with floral tributes.

Council issues fly tipping warning following an increase in incidents

REFUSE and street cleansing workers with Liverpool City Council are urging residents to be considerate with their waste following an upsurge in fly tipping and in the City. The City Councils cleansing partner Liverpool Streetscene Services Ltd (LSSL) sent out extra crews over the weekend to help deal with illegally tipped waste, which included white goods, furniture and discarded toys.  The Council backed free bulky item collection service Bulky Bobs has been suspended due to the Coronavirus outbreak. At the same time, Merseyside's Household Waste Recycling Centres have closed.

Mike Brown, who is LSSLs Chief Operation Officer said:- "Our refuse and street cleansing staff are working hard under difficult circumstances to manage the Citys waste. Unfortunately, we now have the actions of an irresponsible and selfish minority to contend with. Our crews have been out over the weekend but in the current climate, this sort of operation is unsustainable, which is why we are urging residents to work with us and be considerate about their waste. We would also urge the wider community to work with us and if they see any incidents of fly tipping or dumping taking place, to report them via the Councils website straight away."

With the Easter Holidays approaching, cleansing and refuse teams fear that the City could be facing a perfect storm for fly tipping and dumping as residents start spring cleaning.  LSSL crews have already suffered depleted numbers due to staff members having to self isolate, with about a third of the workforce being unavailable. Since the Coronavirus outbreak began LSSL says it has seen a 15% increase in the amount of general waste being picked up by bin crews.  The service has therefore concentrated its efforts on removing household waste, recycling and clinical waste. However, crews were called out to undertake extra shifts over the weekend to try and deal with carelessly discarded rubbish.

Councillor Sharon Connor, who is the Cabinet Member for Highways and Regeneration, said:- "fly tipping is not only an unsightly blight on our community, it is also extremely dangerous, particularly during this current crisis. Scenes of alleys blocked with waste or waste just dumped on the streets would make it impossible for emergency service vehicles to get access to people who need them. And with contamination at the forefront of everyones minds, this extra waste poses a constant threat to both our refuse workers and members of the public. The Council has proved that it is willing to take tough enforcement action against anyone found fly tipping or dumping, however we would rather work with our communities to make sure this doesnt happen and that Liverpool remains clean and green. We know everyone in our City is pulling together during these unprecedented times and the message is a clear 1, don't let the minority turn our City into a dumping ground and help protect the key workers who keep our City clean."

LSSL and Council staff are also working hard to identify those behind the fly tipping and have pledged to take strong action against anyone caught fly tipping and dumping of waste is a criminal offence which can lead to hefty fines and even a prison sentence. The Council, LSSL and other waste partners are urging residents to act responsibly and keep hold of their bulky waste until the Coronavirus outbreak is over.  You can report fly tipping via the Council's website and search for fly tipping.