Man shot in the face in Liverpool airlifted to hospital

Armed police remain in the area while an investigation is carried out into the shooting, say police

A man has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after being shot in the face, police have revealed.

The victim was injured by the gunman, who had reportedly entered a flat on Haslingden Close, Old Swan, Liverpool, just before 16:30 GMT, Merseyside Police said.

Armed police remain in the area while investigations take place at the scene, the force said.

There were no further reports of injuries, it confirmed.

Det Ch Insp John Fitzgerald said: "The investigation into this shooting is still in the early stages, but we believe it was a targeted attack.

"We are continuing to carry out CCTV and house-to-house enquiries to establish exactly what happened.

"We understand the fear that gun crime causes and I'd like to assure residents living in the area that the use of firearms will not be tolerated on the streets of Merseyside.

He said that in the year up to September 2023, there was a 50% reduction in firearms offences compared to the previous year.

"We are committed to taking weapons off our streets to prevent further shootings and, rest assured, if you tell us where guns are stored and being used we will take action," Det Ch Insp Fitzgerald added.

He appealed for witnesses of the shooting or who saw anything or anyone suspicious in the area to come forward.

Anyone who has doorbell or dashcam footage, has also been urged to contact police.

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