Two firearms were found hidden in bushes
11:53, 24 Mar 2026Updated 12:17, 24 Mar 2026
Police on Bowland Road, Litherland(Image: Andy Teebay)
A man riding a Sur-ron bike was believed to be the intended target after a gang fired shots from a car, police have said. Armed officers descended on Bowland Drive on Monday, March 23, following reports of gunfire on nearby Fulwood Way.
The suspects fled the scene and, during a brief chase, the vehicle collided with a police car on Melling Road in Aintree before being abandoned on Epsom Close.
The suspects then attempted to escape on foot but were quickly detained by officers. Four men, aged 33, 42, 21 and 23, all from Liverpool, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, failing to stop a vehicle and dangerous driving. They remain in police custody.
No injuries have been reported, and officers are continuing enquiries to locate the rider.
A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of two firearms hidden in bushes. The weapons were located with the assistance of a police dog and were found to be loaded and viable.
Police scene on Bowland Drive, Litherland
Police said enquiries remain ongoing as the investigation continues.
Melling Road was reopened by police officers on Monday evening. But the canal path near the junction with Aintree Lane was still cordoned off on Tuesday morning with officers stationed at the entrance.
A local woman told the ECHO on Monday that she thought she heard a gunshot while walking over Rimrose Valley Country Park. Other eyewitnesses reported seeing a black car, possibly a Range Rover, in the vicinity of the incident.
Detective Sergeant Leighanne Davies said: “Thanks to a swift response from officers following reports of a shooting, were have been able to arrest four suspects and seize two viable firearms.
“To fire a weapon in the street, particularly at this time of day, is beyond comprehension. It shows that people involved in serious organised crime simply don’t care about anyone but themselves.
“Although we are still in the early stages of an investigation, we believe the intended target was a male on a Sur-ron bike and enquiries are ongoing to find him. So far, there have been no reported injuries.
Police scene on Bowland Drive, Litherland
“I’m sure the community will be concerned by what happened yesterday, but I hope our response to this incident shows how determined we are to rid our streets of firearms and those prepared to use them.
“We will continue to show contempt for criminality and show compassion for the people in our communities who suffer at their hands.
“Although we have made four arrests, we are still appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
“If you witnessed what happened or have any information, please let us know as a matter of urgency.”
Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via the police website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101 quoting incident reference 26000232227.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously