A teenager has been shot in a park in Liverpool.
Merseyside Police were called at 6.29pm to reports of shots fired in Wavertree Botanic Gardens, on Innovation Boulevard.
It is understood the 18-year-old was in bushes when he was shot at and has been taken to hospital.
Police are currently at the scene and a forensics team are scouring the area for evidence.
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
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Kate McMullin
More updates on our website
Police are using torches to now search the scene, most likely for the weapon used in this wreckless attack.
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Kate McMullin
Police are continuing to search the scene
Police are continuing their search into the night
Kate McMullin
Teenager was found covered in blood in a house
A teenager was found at an address on Parton Street with gunshot wounds
Here is the full story
Paul Philbin
Statement from Merseyside Police
We can confirm that emergency services are currently at Botanic Gardens in Liverpool following an injury shooting in the park this evening, Friday 19 May.
Just before 6.30pm officers received a report that a teenage boy had been found with gun shot wounds at Botanic Gardens.
Emergency services later found a teenage boy at an address on Parton Street with gun shot wounds to his arm and leg. The victims was taken to hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.
Following enquiries, a scene was established in Botanic Gardens, where evidence consistent with shots being fired was found.
An investigation has been launched and extensive forensic examinations and witness enquiries are ongoing.
Armed patrols remain in the area and anyone who witnessed the shooting or with any information is asked to contact police.
Chief Inspector Jim Wilde said: “We are in the early stages of an investigation into a shooting which has left a teenage boy injured.
“We understand the fear that gun crime causes and I’d like to assure the community in Wavertree that Merseyside Police is fully committed to tackling gun crime and will immediately pursue those who are prepared to use firearms on our streets.
“The possession of firearms and dangerous weapons will not be tolerated in Merseyside. Therefore I would appeal to anyone who was in Botanic Gardens and saw the incident or anything or anyone suspicious to come forward and let us know.
“Similarly, if you have doorbell footage and live in the surrounding area then please review it and tell us if you see anything. Information you hold could be vital to our ongoing investigation.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or with log 891 of Friday 19 May.
You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.
Paul Philbin
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Kate McMullin
Statement from police
Chief Inspector Jim Wilde said: “We are in the early stages of an investigation into a shooting which has left a teenage boy injured.
“We understand the fear that gun crime causes and I’d like to assure the community in Wavertree that Merseyside Police is fully committed to tackling gun crime and will immediately pursue those who are prepared to use firearms on our streets.
“The possession of firearms and dangerous weapons will not be tolerated in Merseyside. Therefore I would appeal to anyone who was in Botanic Gardens and saw the incident or anything or anyone suspicious to come forward and let us know.
“Similarly, if you have doorbell footage and live in the surrounding area then please review it and tell us if you see anything. Information you hold could be vital to our ongoing investigation.”
Kate McMullin
Witness heard shots while at park with her child
One woman told the ECHO she was in the park with her child when they heard "four or five loud bangs"
She said she thought it was fireworks.
She also said how the park was full of families when the shooting took place.
Paul Philbin
Live footage from the scene
Kate McMullin
Video of the scene
Kate McMullin
Injured teenager found in house
Merseyside Police said the victim, believed to be an 18-year-old, was found injured in a house.
In a statement the force said: "Emergency services found a teenage boy at an address on Parton Street with gun shot wounds to his arm and leg."
Kate McMullin
Armed police at the scene
Armed police are at the scene and sniffer dogs can be seen searching the area.
Pictures show a number of police vehicles and a cordon which stretches across a large area of grass.
Kate McMullin
Scene cordoned off after shots fired
Merseyside Police were called to reports of shots fired at around 6:29pm this evening.
Officers and a forensic team are now at the scene, which has been cordoned off.
An 18-year-old has been taken to hospital.
Kate McMullin
Good evening
Good evening,
An 18-year-old has been shot in a Wavertree park.
Police are currently at the scene in Wavertree Botanic Gardens after reports of shots fired.
We will be bringing you all the latest updates on this scene as and when we get them.