ARMED police shot out the tyres of a car in Liverpool as they arrested two men during "a pre-planned firearms operation".

Officers safely stopped a black Renault Clio in Drake Road in Fazakerley at about 9.25pm on Friday, September 13.

Two men in the car, aged 31 and 37 from the L19 and L9 areas were detained on suspicion of possession of a section 1 firearm.

They were both taken into custody for questioning.

In a statement, Superintendent Dave Ambrose said: “As a result of a firearms operation a tactical and safe stop of the vehicle was performed on Drake Road.

"During the stop trained armed police officers shot out the tyres in a controlled manner. Nobody was injured.

"We currently have two men in custody as enquiries continue.

“Removing guns from the streets of Merseyside remains a priority to keep our communities safe and we would continue to ask anyone who has information about who is storing, carrying or using firearms to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.