Police have launched a murder investigation after a man was shot dead in Kirkby. At around 6.35pm tonight, July 17, police were called to Quarryside Drive after receiving reports that a 36-year-old man had been shot dead.
North West Ambulance Service paramedics were already treating him at the scene. Police attended and the victim was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist family liaison officers. A police cordon is currently in place around Quarryside Drive while crime scene investigators carry out forensic examinations.
High visibility patrols have been stepped up to reassure the population. Extensive CCTV investigations are also being carried out in the area and door-to-door surveys are being conducted.
Commissioner Mark Drew said: “A murder investigation is underway this evening following a horrific and tragic incident in which a man lost his life after being fatally shot. Our thoughts are first and foremost with his family as they struggle to come to terms with their loss.
“We are still in the very early stages of the investigation as we seek to establish why the incident happened and who was involved. We are appealing for anyone who was in the area around 6.35pm and witnessed the incident to contact Merseyside Police. If you live in the area please check your CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage and if you see anything suspicious please let us know. Any information you can provide, no matter how small, could be vital to our investigation.”
He continued: “There is no place for guns on the streets of Merseyside and we will do everything in our power to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. My message to those involved in gun crime and serious organised crime is clear: Merseyside Police will never rest, we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved.
“Public information is vital if we are to dismantle the organised crime groups that are causing misery on our streets and I urge anyone with information to come forward. I fully understand that it can be intimidating to speak out, but when people are prepared to support the police we will ensure that every possible means is used to protect them.
“And if you don’t feel comfortable going to the police directly, you can call the independent, anonymous Crimestoppers helpline on 0800 555 111. We need to know who is involved in gun crime and where these guns are stored.”
If you have any information about this incident, you can call police on 101 or send a private message to @MerPolCC on social media, quoting log number 830 of 17.th July.
