Murder probe after man found with gunshot wounds in field

Feb 19 2008

Scene of murder in Croxteth

A murder investigation has been launched after the body of a 38-year-old man was found with gunshot wounds in his legs in a field in Liverpool.

Detectives believe the man died due to a “local dispute” but denied it is linked to gang-related violence.

The body was found by a member of public near to Dam Wood, Croxteth, Liverpool, at around 2pm on Monday.

The death has not been linked to the murder of 11-year-old schoolboy Rhys Jones who was shot in the neck as he walked home on August 22 last year in Croxteth.

Early indications from a post-mortem show the man was shot in his legs, Merseyside Police said.

No further details were released and the man has not been identified.

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said: “A murder investigation is now underway after a 38-year-old man was found dead in Liverpool yesterday.

“Detectives investigating the death believe that the man died as a result of a local dispute. There is no indication of any links to the Rhys Jones shooting, nor any previous gang-related activity in the Croxteth and Norris Green areas.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Peter Currie of Merseyside Police said: “Even at this early stage we have positive lines to pursue, both in terms of motive and those we believe are responsible”.

Anyone in the area before 2pm on Monday is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 7774565 or talk to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.