Fingertip searches are being carried out after a man was shot in a pub car park.
Merseyside Police officers were called to the car park of The Netherton pub on Church Road, Litherland, at 7.10pm on Saturday to a report a man had been shot as he got in to a car.
The 33-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment to a gunshot wound to his torso, and his condition was described as serious.
READ MORE: Pub closed after man shot in car park
Photos taken at the scene today showed officers carrying out fingertip searches in the pub car park.
Officers could be seen walking in line near to a number of cars.
In one photo an officer could be seen crouching down and appearing to look under a car.
Photos of the scene also showed forensic officers gathering evidence following the incident and a cordon in place blocking off the pub and car park.
Writing on the Facebook page of the pub, which is run by Hungry Horse, staff confirmed it remained closed and they did not know when it would reopen.
A spokesperson said: "Unfortunately we are closed temporarily and we will let everyone know when we are back open.
"We don't know when this will be but as soon as we know you will too. Sorry everyone."
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said it was reported the offender was around 5ft 6in tall and was wearing a light grey or blue jacket. He reportedly arrived at the scene and left in a car.
Police confirmed they believe the shooting was targeted at this stage in the investigation.
People living near the pub reported hearing sirens in the area which alerted them to the incident.
Chief Inspector Rob Ross said: “The use of a firearm in a pub car park on a Saturday evening is an incredibly reckless and dangerous act, and we share the anger the community will feel at news of this attack.
“Our officers are currently speaking to witnesses and studying CCTV footage for clues as to why this happened, and most importantly who is responsible so they can be brought to justice.
“We’re keen to hear from anyone we have not yet spoken to who witnessed the incident, or saw or heard anyone acting suspiciously in the area around 7.10pm.
“Our officers are currently speaking to witnesses and studying CCTV footage for clues as to why this happened, and most importantly who is responsible so they can be brought to justice.
“We’re keen to hear from anyone we have not yet spoken to who witnessed the incident, or saw or heard anyone acting suspiciously in the area around 7.10pm.
“Through intelligence from our communities and a number of proactive policing operations and tactics, we have seen a decrease in firearms incidents over the past two years.
“We’re determined to keep preventing them from happening so that our communities can continue to live, work and enjoy going out of an evening free from the fear of such incidents.
“If you tell us anything you know about this incident, we will take positive action and make Merseyside safer.”
