Shooting Victim No Longer Critical
23 December 2018, 10:59 | Updated: 23 December 2018, 11:01
Detectives investigating a shooting in Liverpool on Friday night say it's fortunate they're not investigating a murder.
The 22 year old victim was found by a member of the public at around 10.35pm. He'd suffered a gun shot to his head on Adele Thompson Drive, Toxteth.
He was taken to hospital where his condition was initially described as critical. His condition is now described as stable.
Crime scene investigators have carried out forensic examinations at the scene and line searches have also been carried out. House-to-house inquiries have been conducted and officers are also examining extensive CCTV footage from the area to try to identify those responsible. High visibility patrols have been stepped up in the area to reassure the public.
A dark blue Volvo, registration YK53 JEO, was found on fire at the back of the Queens public house on Admiral Street, just after midnight. Detectives believe this car could be linked to the shooting and are appealing to anyone who may have seen it earlier in the evening, or when it was being abandoned, to contact them. They would also like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed a scrambler bike being driven away from the car after it was abandoned shortly after midnight..
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Ryan said: "We are fortunate that we are not investigating a murder. This young man suffered a serious injury to his head and was initially in a critical condition, but fortunately his condition is now stable, which must be a huge relief for his family.
"This was a deliberate attempt to seriously injure, or even kill, a 22-year-old man and we are determined to find those responsible and take them off our streets.
"The investigation is in its early stages and at this time the motive for the shooting is unknown. I would urge anyone who was in Adele Thompson Drive or the surrounding areas at the time of the incident, who may have heard or seen anything suspicious to please come forward. You may have witnessed the incident, seen people making off from the scene, or have dashcam footage. Any information, no matter how small, could be vital for our investigation.
"We would still like to speak to anyone who may have seen a dark blue Volvo being driven around the area before, or after the incident. The car was found abandoned and on fire at the back of the Queens pub on Admiral Street shortly after midnight. I am particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen a scrambler bike which was ridden away from the car just after it was abandoned, it is believed it made off towards the Park Road area of Toxteth.
"I would urge any members of the public who have information which could help us to take positive action against those involved in gun crime and make our streets safer to pick up the phone and tell us what they know."
