Detectives say they remain "open-minded" about reported links between three terrifying incidents in Croxteth and West Derby in recent weeks.
Two 19-year-old men have been charged with shooting up a house with a Glock handgun, and a number of other arrests have been made, but Merseyside Police are still in the middle of a major investigation.
The spate of violence began just after 4.10am on October 16, when the Lobster Pot pub was set ablaze in Moss Way, Croxteth. Two suspects were seen throwing something towards the pub which then erupted in flames.
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The two offenders then fled in the direction of Parkstile Lane. A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and remains on bail.
The situation appears to have deteriorated within a week when shots were fired at a high-end property on Central Drive, West Derby, at around 8.20am on October 19. The bullets damaged a window and a wall of the house, but no-one was injured.
Anthony Milton, of Peter Road, Walton, and Reece Martin, of no fixed address, have since been charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and will appear in Liverpool Crown Court on December 6.
Finally, at around 10.40pm on Bonfire Night, Merseyside Police received reports that two men dressed in black had barged into a house on Parkview Road, Croxteth, and started a fire. When firefighters from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended to stamp out the blaze, two live grenades were found in the property.
The devices were removed and detonated in a safe location by the bomb squad and no-one was hurt in the fire. Speaking to the ECHO earlier this month, local policing Superintendent Sarbjit Kaur said: "It's absolutely shocking that within our communities we have these type of weapons. It's not something we come across very often, but again it's that moment of the what if.
"What if it had exploded? What if it had caused more damage than the fire had already caused? It could have been catastrophic. I think we're very lucky that they've not detonated. It's so reckless of those that are responsible for it."
Merseyside Police say they have increased patrols in the area to reassure residents and "gather vital information". The force has also held community surgeries to speak to locals, hear their concerns and gather further intelligence.
The ECHO understands the dispute involves a man known for his involvement in crime and violence, and is described as "petty" in nature.
Detective Inspector John Mullen said: “While detectives are keeping an open mind as to any links between the incidents, we understand each will have caused concern and worry in the Croxteth community.
“The offenders in each of these incidents have shown a complete disregard for the safety of people in and around the properties targeted. We simply will not tolerate anyone who is prepared to put the lives of Merseyside residents in danger. We have already arrested and charged two men in connection with the shooting, and we continue to appeal for information on all three incidents.
“If you witnessed any part of the incidents, or have heard since who may be responsible, please contact us. If you have not yet come forward and may have doorbell or CCTV footage that could have captured the incidents, please let us know as it may hold information that could be vital to our continuing enquiries.”
Anyone who witnessed the incidents or who has any information is urged to contact the force by direct message via its social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 23001013917 (Moss Way), 23001027252 (Central Drive) or 23001101852 (Parkview Road).
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form here.
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