He said: "Four people were injured as a result of these incidents and we are fortunate no-one was killed.

"The people responsible for these attacks showed a total disregard for anyone who may have been drinking in those pubs, or walking near them, and they need to be caught.

"There is no place for violence of this nature on Merseyside and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward immediately so the people responsible can be arrested, charged and put before the courts.

"I would urge anyone who has any information regarding these incidents to come forward immediately."

Crime scene investigators were carrying out forensic tests in the area which caused roads to be closed.

Police apologised for the inconvenience and asked drivers to avoid the area.

Officers are conducting house-to-house inquiries and increased their high visibility patrols to reassure the local community.

Anyone with any information should call the Guncrime hotline on 0800 458 1211 or Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.