Major police presence on St Helens streets overnight

Residents reported to the Star that police and ambulance crews were on the streets of Sutton, near St Helens Junction railway station, at about 11pm.

Neighbours say there was a major police presence on Boxwood Gardens, with a force helicopter circling the skies above.

Police remain on the scene following the incident late last night (Image: St Helens Star)

Up to 10 police cars were also in the area, with unconfirmed reports that there were armed response officers present.

Startled residents said there was a significant amount of police activity on surrounding streets in Sutton too.

A police investigation is continuing this morning and a crime scene is in place on Boxwood Gardens.

A crime scene on Boxwood Gardens (Image: St Helens Star)

Police issue statement

This morning detectives confirmed a man was in a serious but stable condition after he was shot in the leg last night. 

Police were called at about 10.30pm to reports of a man in his 40s had been wounded.

The victim was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Police believe he was targeted by three men but the motive is unknown.

Crime scene investigators are carrying out forensic examinations at the scene and house-to-house enquiries are ongoing in the local area.

A huge police presence was scrambled to the scene last night, with a force helicopter circling the area and armed police reportedly there.

Detectives will today be examining CCTV footage to establish the circumstances of the shooting and who is responsible.

Detective Inspector John Mullen from our Firearms Investigation Team (FIT) said: “The investigation is in the very early stages as we seek to establish what has taken place.

“It appears the victim was targeted by a group of three males while he was on Boxwood Gardens. At this stage of our inquiries the motive for the attack is unknown.

“Clearly this incident could have had far more serious if not fatal consequences and it is vital people come forward and tell us what they know.

“Gun crime has no place on our streets and we will do everything within our powers to find the people responsible and bring them to justice. We are committed to a relentless approach to tackling serious organised crime and we need the public to be our eyes and ears and tell us what they know so that we can take positive action.”

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call 101 quoting reference 24000640012.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.