Bootle shooting:'Little girl playing in front garden' as shots fired at neighbouring house

A chilling gun attack left local residents in shaken after were fired at a terraced house, dangerously close to where a young girl was playing. Merseyside Police swiftly locked down William Henry Street in Bootle this evening following the alarming incident, which occurred just off Derby Road.

In a concerning development, authorities confirmed their response to the scene at around 5.50pm today after reports emerged of gunfire aimed at a dwelling from a bearded man donning camouflage jacket, leading to visible damage on the home's exterior.

No casualties have been reported despite the property sustaining damages to its front wall. Forensic teams were spotted meticulously analysing within the cordoned area, with access to most of the street restricted during their intensive work.

Locals found themselves barred from entering the sealed off zone, as police redirected them to continue along the main thoroughfare. Criminal investigations persist at the site with officers conducting door-to-door questioning. In the aftermath of the gunfire, patrols in the vicinity have been notably increased, reports

Detective Inspector Keith Swift has indicated that although inquiries continue, the attack appears not to be random. "An investigation into the full circumstances of this incident is ongoing, however, we do believe it was a targeted attack."

DI Swift urged public cooperation: "I would appeal to anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area around Owen Road shortly before, or after the incident, to contact us. Information they have could be vital."

A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the terrifying moment to the : "I got home at 6.30pm and all the police were here. A little girl was in one of the front gardens when they fired the gun. No one was hurt. Police have blocked off the road and no one can get in or out.."

Another local resident described her shock upon returning home to learn from neighbours about "heard gunshots" being heard, while a man revealed he saw armed police outside his window as he cared for his child and did the washing up, saying: "There was armed police here. I was completely oblivious to it. I was washing the dishes and looking after my little one when it actually happened but then armed police arrived."

A woman from Derby Road expressed her disbelief, stating: "I'm so shocked, I was in most of the afternoon and heard nothing. I have been living here for 15 years and never seen anything like this on the road before."

Authorities are urging anyone with information to direct message @merpolcc or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, citing reference 0788 of 4 April.