A MAN is in a critical condition in hospital after being shot in the chest and stomach outside a Kirkby pub.
The 23-year-old from Kirkby was targeted outside the Kingfisher Hotel in Bewley Drive, Southdene, at 10pm on Friday.
Following surgery his condition has been described as critical but stable and improving.
Merseyside Police are investigating the incident.
The pub and car park was cordoned off to allow forensic examination and house-to-house enquiries were carried out.
High-visibility patrols have been increased in the area to provide reassurance to the community.
Five people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
They are a 20-year-old man, a 23-year-old man and a 51-year-old man, a 47-year-old woman, and a 22-year-old woman, all from the Kirkby area. They have all been released on police bail.
Detectives are treating this as a targeted attack and are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, or has any other information about it, to call the Merseyside Police Guncrime Hotline on 0800 4211 or leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
