A MAN is in hospital in a serious but stable condition after he was shot in the leg last night. 

Police were called yesterday, Monday, July 22, at around 10.30pm to reports of a man in his 40s had been wounded on Boxwood Gardens, Sutton Village.

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.

Huge police presence

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.

'Motive unknown'

Detective Inspector John Mullen, from Merseyside Police's 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.

A cordon is in place this morning (Image: St Helens Star)

“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.