Police are investigating after shots were fired at a house in Bootle.
The incident took place on Hereford Drive in the area on Monday night in what is believed to be a targeted attack.
A member of the public called police at 7.45pm to report that several shots had been fired at the house, causing damage to the front of it.
The offender is believed to have pulled up outside the house in a black car, possibly a VW Golf, and got out to then fire several shots at the property.
He then jumped back into the car, which was driven by a second person, and the car drove off in the direction of Aintree.
The house’s sole occupant, a woman in her 70s, was not injured but was treated for shock by paramedics at the scene.
Part of Hereford Drive has been cordoned off and crime scene investigators are carrying out a forensic examination at the house.
Patrols have been stepped up in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.
Although the motive for the shooting is unclear at this early stage of the investigation, detectives are treating it as a targeted attack.
Chief Superintendent Paul White, Sefton’s Area Commander, said: “The investigation is still in its early stages, but we believe that shots were deliberately fired at a house, which suffered damage to the front windows.
“We believe that during the incident one of the shots also caused damage to the downstairs front window of the house next door.
“This incident shows the total disregard that the offenders have for members of the community and we are fortunate that no-one was injured.
“I would appeal to members of the community who know the people involved to come forward so we can take positive action and take the offenders off the streets before anyone gets hurt.
“Merseyside Police is committed to tackling gun crime and keeping our communities safe and we will act on all information we receive in relation to gun crime and those responsible.”
The force’s Matrix Serious Organised Crime unit are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.