![\"Police](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0_WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-23-at-170923jpeg.jpg\")
<\/p>\nTwo firearms were found hidden in bushes<\/p>\n
11:53, 24 Mar 2026Updated 12:17, 24 Mar 2026<\/p>\n
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Police on Bowland Road, Litherland(Image: Andy Teebay)<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The suspects fled the scene and, during a brief chase, the vehicle collided with a police car on Melling Road in Aintree<\/a> before being abandoned on Epsom Close.<\/p>\n The suspects then attempted to escape on foot<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n No injuries have been reported, and officers are continuing enquiries to locate the rider.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Police scene on Bowland Drive, Litherland<\/p>\n Police said enquiries remain ongoing as the investigation continues.<\/p>\n Melling Road was reopened by police officers on Monday evening<\/a>. But the canal path near the junction with Aintree Lane was still cordoned off on Tuesday morning with officers stationed at the entrance.<\/p>\n A local woman told the ECHO<\/a> on Monday that she thought she heard a gunshot while walking over Rimrose Valley Country Park. Other eyewitnesses reported seeing a black car<\/a>, possibly a Range Rover, in the vicinity of the incident.<\/p>\n Detective Sergeant Leighanne Davies said: \u201cThanks to a swift response from officers following reports of a shooting, were have been able to arrest four suspects and seize two viable firearms.<\/p>\n \u201cTo 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\u2019t care about anyone but themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough 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.<\/p>\n Police scene on Bowland Drive, Litherland<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will continue to show contempt for criminality and show compassion for the people in our communities who suffer at their hands.<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough we have made four arrests, we are still appealing for anyone with information to come forward.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you witnessed what happened or have any information, please let us know as a matter of urgency.\u201d<\/p>\n Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook<\/a> @MerPolCC. You can also report information via the police website: https:\/\/www.merseyside.police.uk\/ro\/report\/ocr\/af\/how-to-report-a-crime\/<\/a> or by calling 101 quoting incident reference 26000232227.<\/p>\n![\"Police](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1_WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-23-at-175933jpeg.jpg\")
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