Two in hospital after shooting

Jul 23 2007 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

A MAN and a woman received gunshot wounds in an attack in the Toxteth area last night.

Police were called to the scene of the double shooting, at the junction of Longfellow Street and Wendell Street, at 5.15pm.

The 26-year-old male victim received gunshot wounds to his back, while the 27-year-old female was injured in the hand.

Both were taken to hospital, where they were in a stable condition last night.

Police said the motive for the attack was unclear, but it is believed to be targeted.

House-to-house inquiries were being carried out, and high visibility patrols were also stepped up following the incident.

Last night, ward councillor Ian Jobling called on the police to make every effort to tackle gun crime in the city.

Cllr Jobling, who also sits as a local authority representative on Merseyside Police Authority, said: “Police need to reassure the community that they can be safe.

“Parts of the city are rife with gun crime, and it certainly seems to be on the increase.

“I have regular meetings with the neighbourhood inspector, and crime figures in my ward are generally quite good, so I’m shocked that this has happened.

“The key to all police work is intelligence, but in these communities people are reluctant to come forward because they are frightened of reprisals.”

The latest incident comes only days after national statistics revealed that all crime was down by 11% across the Merseyside police force area, with violent crime down 25%.

A spokesman for Merseyside police said: “The motive for the attack is unclear, though it is believed to be targeted.

“Crime scene investigators are carrying out forensic examinations at the scene, and police are making house-to-house inquiries in the local area.

“High-visibility patrols have also been stepped up in the area to provide reassurance to the community.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call the Merseyside police Guncrime hotline on 0800 4581211.

alanweston