Merseyside Police responded swiftly to reports of gunfire near a children's play park in Litherland. The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 19, shortly before 9.45pm, when officers were alerted to several loud bangs and shouting in the vicinity of Hapsford Road.

Upon arrival, police established a large cordon around the play area and a section of the surrounding field. Officers were seen guarding the area, with police vans and matrix vans deployed to assist in the investigation.

A police spokesperson confirmed that an investigation is underway. They stated, "Officers were called to a playing field on Hapsford Road just before 9.45pm to reports of several loud bangs heard and shouting in the area."

Witnesses reported seeing a group of five youths fleeing towards the train station, with some on foot and others on electric or push bikes. In response, police have been conducting house-to-house inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage to gather evidence regarding the use of a firearm.

Detective Edward Barr urged the public to assist with the investigation. He said, "I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, saw the group of youths shortly after, or has any information which could help us with our inquiries to come forward. I would also like to appeal to anyone who lives in the area, who has doorbell camera footage that may have captured the incident to get in touch."

Barr reassured residents, stating, "Our officers immediately respond to incidents such as these and are actively working to make Merseyside a safer place to live and work. We are relentless in our pursuit of such offenders who may be carrying dangerous weapons in our community and urge anyone who has any information to contact us so we can find those responsible."

As the investigation continues, police have maintained a significant presence in the area, ensuring the safety of local residents while they work to uncover the details surrounding the incident.