Police think two major incidents which led to injuries and arrests on a night of chaos could be linked.
At around 10pm on Friday December 8, shots were fired on Wolfenden Avenue in Bootle, prompting armed response to swarm the street. Around 45 minutes later, police attempted to speak to the driver of a black Ford Focus on County Road, causing them to drive off.
Following a high-speed chase, the Focus crashed into a blue Renault Captur on Balliol Road, also in Bootle, causing serious injury to the driver and a passenger in the latter vehicle.
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A 47-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of drink driving and other driving offences and taken to hospital for treatment to a hip injury.
Following enquiries, police believe the car crash could be linked to the shots fired on Wolfenden Avenue, and the man was further arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.
In the Wolfenden Avenue incident, a man was approached by two men who were riding an electric bike and armed with a suspected firearm. A single shot was fired before the two males fled the scene in the direction of Southport Road.
Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy, of Merseyside Police, said: “Our investigation is currently ongoing into the firearms discharge last night and we have been working tirelessly to find the people responsible.
“Following enquiries into a road collision on Balliol Road, a male has now been arrested in connection with the incident on Wolfenden Avenue as we believe the two incidents could be linked.
“We are still asking for the help of the community and we believe there were a number of motorists who were driving in the Wolfenden Avenue area last night between 9.45-10.15pm who could have vital information.
“If you witnessed anything significant or captured anything on your dashcam, please come forward as a matter of urgency.
“Similarly, if you live in the area and have any information, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel it is, please let us know as it could prove vital.”
DI Mulcahy added: “Gun crime has no place on our streets and we will do everything within our powers to find the people responsible and bring them to justice.
“We are committed to taking weapons off our streets and, rest assured, if you tell us about any suspected possession or offences we will take action.
“We pro-actively investigate serious organised crime in Merseyside, including the use of guns and the supply and distribution of drugs.”
Anyone who has information should call 101 or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook quoting log 941 of 8th December. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting log 23001246330.
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