Teenager bailed over gun claim

A 17-YEAR-OLD male has been released on conditional bail after an alleged shooting in Southport last week.

The teenager was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence after a member of the public reported that he had been ‘shot at’ in a park on Janes Brook Road last Thursday.

According to Merseyside Police the incident is still being treated as an unconfirmed firearms discharge.

The park where the shooting allegedly took place is only a few minutes walk away from Southport Hospital and Kew Woods primary school.

A full search of the area has been carried out by officers from the specialist Matrix team, but they were unable to find any evidence that a shooting had taken place.

Despite the arrest detectives have found no evidence a gun was fired in the incident – though enquiries remain ongoing.

The alleged victim suffered no injuries in the incident, which was reported at around 10.40am – with officers seen guarding a cordon blocking off a playground on nearby Town Lane.

The 17-year-old has been released on conditional bail until November 24.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at Sefton CID on 0151 777 3055, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.