A murder investigation has been launched after a 36-year-old man was shot dead on a residential street in Merseyside, police have said.
Officers from Merseyside Police were called to reports a man had been shot in Quarryside Drive, Kirkby at about 6.35pm on Wednesday.
North West Ambulance Service paramedics treated the man at the scene and he was taken to hospital, but died a short time later.
Pictures of the scene showed several police vehicles and a cordon along the residential street, which is less than two miles from Liverpool FC’s training ground.
A mother-of-two who said she lived next door to the victim told the Liverpool Echo she was in her garden when she “heard loads of loud bangs”.
Guessing it was gunfire, she said she told her children to “get down on the floor”.
“I just wanted to make sure they were okay. Then I took my daughter and got out of the house,” she said.
Detective Superintendent Mark Drew said: “A murder investigation is under way this evening following an appalling and tragic incident in which a man has lost his life after he was fatally shot.
“Our thoughts first and foremost are with his family, who are trying to come to terms with his loss.
“We are still in the very early stages of the investigation as we seek to establish why the incident took place and who was involved.
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He said: “There is no room for guns on the streets of Merseyside and we will do everything within 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.
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Det Supt Drew appealed for witnesses and anyone with CCTV, dashcam devices or doorbell footage to come forward.
The officer said: “Information from the public is vital if we are to breakdown the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets.
“I completely understand that speaking up could be daunting, but when people are willing to support the police we will ensure every possible avenue is progressed to protect them.”
The victim’s next of kin have been informed and will be supported by specialist family liaison officers, the force said.
