A 44-year-old man was shot in the neck with an air rifle outside a Go Local convenience store on Waddicar Lane in Melling at around 11:15 AM on Wednesday, July 1. The victim, from Netherton, was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition, police confirmed.
Armed officers, a police helicopter, and multiple emergency vehicles responded to the scene. A 35-year-old man from Melling was arrested nearby on suspicion of Section 18 wounding and possession of a firearm. He remains in police custody.
Residents Describe Heavy Police Presence
Residents reported hearing helicopters overhead before seeing dozens of police vehicles arrive. Videos shared with the Liverpool Echo showed a convoy of at least ten emergency services vehicles racing to the scene. A large section of Waddicar Lane was cordoned off for several hours.
The owner of the Go Local store told the Echo that the victim was a customer who had been visiting the area, and that the shooting followed a dispute outside the shop. Earlier speculation that a shop worker had been attacked was incorrect.
Witness Accounts and Arrest
Nearby residents said the victim was “sitting up” before being taken to hospital in an ambulance and “thankfully seemed ok.” One person commented, “I’ve never seen so many police.” On Andrew Avenue, residents saw armed police arrest a man. A couple who recently moved to the area said their ring doorbell captured footage of dozens of police officers.
Some witnesses reported seeing the incident unfold outside their homes. One person said, “We think he’s come over the back,” pointing at a garden fence.
Police Investigation and Appeal
Merseyside Police confirmed that house-to-house, CCTV, and witness enquiries are ongoing. A mobile police station will be present in the area this evening to reassure the public. Sefton neighbourhood Chief Inspector Dave Uren urged the public to avoid speculation: “I would ask members of the public to avoid speculating or spreading rumours about this incident as we continue to investigate the circumstances.”
CI Uren added: “The investigation is in the very early stages as we speak to witnesses and establish what has taken place. A man has been taken to hospital and we have made an arrest but we would urgently appeal for anyone who was in the area of Waddicar Lane this morning who heard or saw anything suspicious to contact us. Weapons have no place on the streets of Merseyside as we know the devastation they can cause so my appeal would be for the public to support us by telling us what they know.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via social media, call 101 quoting log number 364 of 1 July, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
