Police are investigating after shots were fired at a group of people in Bootle.
Two men on a motorbike are reported to have stopped before one aimed in the group’s direction on Hawthorne Road between its junctions with Earl Road and Sussex Street.
Both men were seen leaving the scene shortly after 10pm on Wednesday before the motorbike was ridden south along Hawthorne Road, towards Kirkdale.
Officers found damage to two windows consistent with a firearms discharge has been located on the Betfred bookmakers and Best One shop nearby.
Bullet casings have also been recovered at the scene.
Enquiries to locate the offenders are ongoing, witnesses are being spoken to and CCTV footage is being viewed.
There are no reports of anyone being injured and enquiries with local hospitals are in progress.
Detective Inspector Paul Nilsen said: “This investigation is in its very early stages, but we are treating it as a targeted shooting.
“The incident happened in a part of Hawthorne Road with shops, a pub, takeaway and bookmakers all close by.
“If you were in that area at 10pm and saw any part of this incident or the two males, who were in dark clothes and helmets, then please do the right thing and contact police or Crimestoppers.
“We are committed to tackling gun crime and bringing to justice those people who are so reckless with firearms that they would use them to fire at towards a group of people.
“We have launched a full investigation to trace the two males responsible and urge anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area, has dash-cam footage or any information, to DM @MerPolCC or call 101 quoting 19100322004.”
Anyone with information can also contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously via social media or on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.