Police Respond to Gunshots Near Children’s Play Park in Liverpool

Police responded swiftly to reports of gunshots near a children’s play park in Litherland, Liverpool, on the evening of November 19, 2023. The incident was reported shortly before 21:45 (9:45 PM), prompting a significant police presence at Hapsford Road. Witnesses described hearing several loud bangs, which some likened to fireworks, as well as shouting in the area.

Merseyside Police quickly cordoned off a substantial section of Hapsford Park, the adjacent field, and Hapsford Road to conduct a thorough investigation. According to local reports, a group of five teenagers was spotted heading toward a nearby train station, some on foot and others on bicycles. The police have since reviewed CCTV footage from the area in search of evidence pertaining to the incident.

In an official statement, a spokesperson for the police confirmed that house-to-house inquiries were underway as part of their investigation. Local residents reported seeing officers diligently searching the park and surrounding fields shortly after the initial reports came in. Police dogs were also deployed as part of the search efforts.

Detective Edward Barr urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist the investigation to come forward. “I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, saw the group of youths shortly after, or has any information which could help us with our inquiries to come forward,” he stated.

Barr also encouraged residents with doorbell camera footage from the time of the incident to share it with the police. He reassured the community, stating that officers are committed to ensuring the safety of residents and are actively working to address any threats posed by individuals carrying weapons.

“We are relentless in our pursuit of such offenders who may be carrying dangerous weapons in our community and urge anyone who has any information to contact us so we can find those responsible,” Barr added.

Anyone with relevant footage or information regarding this incident can reach out to Merseyside Police through their social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter) @MerPolCC or on Facebook via the ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre.’

The swift response from authorities reflects an ongoing commitment to public safety in the region, as investigations continue to uncover further details about the events that unfolded that night.