Two men and woman have been taken to hospital after a shooting at a family home in Speke.
Emergency services were called to the area at around 7.35pm on Boxing Day following reports of shots fired at an address in Harefield Road.
Four adults and a child were inside the front room of the property when the windows were subjected to gunfire. with three people sustaining injuries.
A 22-year-old man suffered torso injuries consistent with a shotgun discharge as did a woman, who received minor injuries to her face in the incident.
The pair have been taken to hospital for treatment where their condition is described as stable and their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening,
A second man, aged 29, sustained grazing to an arm, police have confirmed.
The other two people at the address were uninjured and the offenders are believed to have left the scene in a large, dark-coloured car travelling towards Stapleton Avenue.
A black Volvo XC90 with the registration KO16 LMV was later found burnt out in Rycot Road, less than a quarter of a mile from the scene of the shooting.
The vehicle had been stolen from Ilchester Road, Wallasey on December 13.
Detectives from Merseyside Police say the motive for the shooting is currently unclear.
Harefield Road is currently closed to vehicles from Tarbock Road to Hatfield Green while officers carry out enquiries.
CCTV is being sought, witnesses spoken to and house to house enquiries are on-going. Forensic enquiries are also being undertaken in the area.
Superintendent Matt Boyle said: “The people responsible for this despicable attack have shown a complete disregard for anyone in this property as well as anyone who may have been out in the community that evening, and they need to be caught and brought to justice.
“Two people received injuries as a result of this attack, but it could so easily have been more and among those inside the house, but thankfully unhurt, was a four-year-old boy.
“I am sure the community will share our shock and distress at the fact that people could be shot as they sit in a living room.
“There are a lot of families in this community and I’m sure local residents would agree we need to trace the people responsible.
“The community in Speke will see an increased police presence while our investigations continue.
“If you are engaging in any criminality in this area, rest assured we will use all available powers to come after you and put you before the courts.
“There is no place for this type of violence on Merseyside and I believe someone in this community knows who is responsible.”
Anyone who has information about this incident is urged to contact the MSOC guncrime hotline on 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.