An investigation has been launched into an early-morning shooting in Croxteth.
Police were called to Lower House Lane at about 2.30am on Thursday following reports that a man had been shot at by another man with a shotgun.
No-one was injured in the incident. Patrols attended and a spent shotgun cartridge was located at the scene and has been recovered for forensic testing.
Neighbourhood patrols have been stepped up in the area to provide reassurance to local residents and house-to-house and CCTV enquiries are being carried out.
It is believed the offender was a man on a push bike, who was with several others also on push bikes, and detectives are keen to trace them or anyone who saw them in the area.
Chief Inspector Matt Boyle said: “This was an extremely frightening incident for the man who was shot at.
“Thankfully no-one was hurt but this was an incredibly dangerous and reckless act and we are doing everything we can to trace the criminals responsible.
“The investigation is in its early stages and the motive for the attack is unclear.
“Criminals involved in gun crime have no regard for anyone else and I would urge the local community to come together to help us take a stand against the use of firearms and violence on our streets and report anything they saw or heard to us so we can take action.”
Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious is asked to call the Matrix guncrime hotline on 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.