More than 100 people have been arrested and 400 searched after a double shooting in Liverpool.
Armed police attended Netherfield Road after an 18-year-old took himself to hospital with gunshot wounds to his legs at around 10.30pm on Wednesday, December 13. Officers believe the man was shot near Everton Park.
At the scene they found a second man, aged 24, also with gunshot wounds to his legs. He was also taken to hospital. Both men remain in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries this afternoon.
Following the incident, Merseyside police launched disruption work to provide a visible presence to prevent crime or serious violence in the area. Between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day alone, 56 people were arrested in the Everton area for various offences and 153 stop searches were carried out.
READ MORE: The Liverpool Echo Premium app is just £12 for 12 months for a limited time
READ MORE: Darts sensation Luke Littler, 16, surprised as he makes admission on real age after bet
This brings the total number of arrests in Everton to 157 and 440 stop searches carried out since the shooting, as officers continue to provide a visible presence to prevent crime or serious violence.
Chief Inspector Tony Fairhurst said: "There has been an increased policing presence in the Everton area since the firearms discharge on Wednesday 13th December and this continued throughout the festive period. We have now arrested 153 people since this shocking incident and we will continue to relentlessly pursue anyone involved in serious organised crime, including the use of guns and the supply and distribution of drugs.
"Information from our communities is vital, so please get in touch either with Merseyside Police or anonymously through Crimestoppers to help us rid the streets of firearms and drugs." A spokesperson for the force confirmed the festive period, 80 officers and staff were victims of assault or verbal abuse while they were on duty or responding to emergency incidents.
Some of these assaults caused serious injuries, while other incidents involved officers and staff receiving homophobic or racist abuse. Chief Constable Kennedy said: "These types of incidents are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
"Our police officers and staff understand the risks of the job, but they should never have to tolerate violence against them when they are simply attempting to carry out their duties. The impact of these assaults should not be underestimated. It can have a huge impact on their physical and mental wellbeing as well as their families and can of course take an officer off the streets for a period of time, putting added pressure on other officers.
"Merseyside Police fully supports Operation Hampshire, which is a national project rolled out across all forces with the aim of supporting officers who are victims of assault. Through Operation Hampshire we are committed to changing the culture and improving the way assaults are understood, talked about and reported."
There are many ways to keep up with news in Liverpool and our website is just one. Below you can find details about our premium app with a smooth interface, and no adverts. You will also find links to our breaking whatsapp community, Facebook page, our in-depth Daily Post newsletter.
Try Liverpool Echo Premium for 99p with no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features
Don’t miss the biggest and breaking news by joining our dedicated WhatsApp community. R
The Liverpool Daily Post newsletter delves into the biggest stories on Merseyside