Merseyside double shooting leaves two men in hospital after ‘targeted attack’

Merseyside Police are conducting an urgent investigation following the shooting

Two men in their 20s are in hospital with gunshot wounds as Merseyside Police confirm they are investigating a shooting in Prescot.

Merseyside Police were called to Pottery Lane, Prescot, on Sunday afternoon at around 2:50pm after receiving reports that two men in their 20s had been found with gunshot wounds.

The two men are having their injuries assessed in hospital, Merseyside Police confirmed, and people have been urged to avoid the area while an ‘urgent’ investigation is ongoing.

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In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Merseyside Police wrote: “We can confirm that emergency services are in Prescot following a shooting this afternoon, Sunday 24 May.”

The post continues: “At 2.50pm, we were called to Pottery Lane (next to Stadt Moers Park) to reports of two men in their 20s being found with gunshot wounds. Both victims have been taken to hospital for assessment of their injuries.

“Officers remain in the area to carry out urgent CCTV, house-to-house and forensic enquiries as we look to establish the circumstances. Please avoid the area as this work continues.”

Detective Superintendent Paul Speight said: “Although these are the early hours of our investigation, it is absolutely vital that we gather all available evidence as soon as possible. If you saw, heard or may have captured anything on CCTV, dashcam or doorbell devices, please come forward at the earliest opportunity.

“Our initial assessment is this was a targeted attack on the two victims, for reasons we will establish as the investigation progresses. To fire a weapon in our communities at any time is of course a concern, but to do so in a residential area on a Sunday afternoon is beyond comprehension.”

DS Speight continued: “I want to make it clear to anyone involved that our determination to find those responsible will be absolute, and we will target anyone who has carried out this shooting, or assisted those responsible in any way.

“Gun crime in Merseyside has become increasingly rare in recent years, and it is in no small part down to the information, engagement and partnership work in those areas which have been affected.

“This same community strength will help us in the coming days. If you know anything, speak to us directly or anonymously and we will take positive action to find and remove from the community any firearms and those people reckless enough to use them.”

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook, or report information via their website, or by calling 101 quoting incident reference 572 of Sunday 24 May.