Police have arrested 33 people following a double shooting in Everton.
The arrests were made after a section 60 dispersal order was put in place in the area for 48 hours following the shooting on Wednesday, December 13. Armed police were called to Netherfield Road after an 18-year-old took himself to hospital with gunshot wounds to his legs.
Officers believe the man was shot near Everton Park. At the scene they found a second man, aged 24, also with gunshot wounds to his legs. He was also taken to hospital. Officers carried out land searches across Everton Park where a mobile police station was set up.
A dispersal zone came into force at 3pm on Thursday, December 14, giving officers extra stop and search powers. The order was later extended until 3pm on Saturday.
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Moments after the second order was imposed, a car was pulled over by police on Belmont Road at around 3.10pm on Friday. Officers searched the car and found two CS cannisters and a significant quantity of cash.
A 42-year-old man from Leicester was arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property and possession of two Section 5 firearms. A 25-year-old man from Kensington was also arrested on suspicion of possession of two Section 5 firearms, driving otherwise than in accordance of a licence and driving with no insurance, drug driving and possession of criminal property.
They have been bailed with conditions pending further enquiries. A total of 33 people have been arrested since Thursday and 165 stop checks have been carried out.
Police also held a day of action with partners from Liverpool City Council’s ASB team, street clean and city watch. Officers spoke to youth clubs and shops in the area to discuss any issues and gather information about recent incidents.
Liverpool Targeted Policing Inspector David Grant said: “During the 48-hour period this Section 60 Order was in force, officers have seized drugs, dangerous weapons and significant quantities of cash as well as making number of arrests.
“This order was brought in after a shooting on Wednesday 13 December, when two men, aged 18 and 24, sustained gunshot wounds to their legs. I hope this activity demonstrates very clearly that there is simply no hiding place for anyone who brings misery to our communities.
“Those who are prepared to use guns on our streets, with little or no regard for other members of the community, will be pursued and brought before the courts. My message to those involved in gun crime and serious organised crime is clear – Merseyside Police will never rest and we will use everything in our power to reduce these offences.
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“We recognise the need to not only tackle those who continue to bring harm and misery to the Everton area, but to engage with those who suffer at their hands, to gather information and to reassure the community that we are on their side. So we have combined enforcement with community engagement and will take the information we have gathered to target our future patrols in those areas and times that are affected most.
“We hope that this Section 60 order, and all of the additional resources involved, provided local residents with reassurance that Merseyside Police will do everything in our power to disrupt those who are intent on causing violence in our communities.”
“Information from the public is vital if we are to continue to break down the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.
“If you don’t want to contact the police directly, then I would encourage you to use the totally independent and completely anonymous Crimestoppers service.”
You can pass any information by calling 101, via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference number 23001269221. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
