Father shot twice in Tesco Car Park

May 22 2008 by Ben Schofield, Liverpool Daily Post

A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD girl was walking next to her father when he was shot in a supermarket car park yesterday.

Witnesses say she then ran into the store yelling at security guards “My dad’s been shot”.

The victim – named locally as 24-year-old Joe Johnson – was shot in the side as he walked towards the Tesco at Old Swan.

It is believed Mr Johnson, who works in Tesco’s clothing department, was en route to collect his partner Lisa who had just finished her shift working at the supermarket.

Witnesses heard two shots ring out through the car park at around 2pm and saw the little girl dash into the shop shortly afterwards. She was followed by Mr Johnson staggering behind holding his side.

It is understood Mr Johnson was hit once and the bullet went straight through his torso.

He was shot at the bottom of a walkway leading to the store’s car park, part of which was sealed off yesterday as ballistics officers conducted a fingertip search of the scene.

A taxi driver who was just metres from where Mr Johnson was shot said he heard the two shots. The driver, who did not want to be named, said: “I heard two shots. They were like a car tyre exploding, but he only screamed ‘ouch’ after the second.

“Then a red haired man came running into the store holding his chest.”

Merseyside Police say the motive for the attack is unclear but they are particularly keen to speak to four young males who were seen in Rock Grove at the back of the store at the time of the shooting.

Shoppers saw around six armed response vehicles storm into the car park and officers brandishing automatic weapons pour out.

They said Mr Johnson remained in the store for another 20 minutes before being wheeled out in a chair and taken to hospital.

Doctors at the Royal Liverpool Hospital said Mr Johnson was “stable and comfortable” last night. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening. Staff working at the store said that they were “devastated” at the news of the incident.

They described Mr Johnson and his partner as a lovely couple who doted on their daughter. Mr Johnson, they added, was a “down-to-earth” family man.

Detective chief superintendent Steve Moore said: “This is a very serious incident and I would urge anyone with any information about the offenders to contact the police.”

House-to-house inquiries were ongoing last night and high visibility patrols have been stepped up in the area.

Old Swan representative Cllr Berni Turner said: “It’s beyond belief. Old Swan is a civilised place and we don’t want this.”

A Tesco spokesman said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by this incident.”

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or the dedicated gun hot line on 0800 458 1211.

benschofield