Shots were fired in a small Knowsley close where children "often play" in what has been described as a "targeted attack" during the late hours.
Around 10.50pm on June 6, Merseyside Police were called to reports of gunshots being fired at Springvale Close in Kirkby. At the scene, officers found damage to brickwork of a property as shots went though a wall and door.
Detectives believe it was a "targeted attack" and no injuries were reported in connection to the shooting. But some nearby residents say they are "not surprised" to hear of the shocking late night events.
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One person, who has lived nearby for more than 40 years, told the ECHO : "Police are always around here. I've got grandkids and I'm scared to let them play in the street, there's cars flying up and down all the time, it's ridiculous.
"It used to be such a lovely place to live but over the years it's gone worse, it's gone downhill. There's always something lately.
"Police are forever being called, if it's not that close, it's up the road a bit. I just keep myself to myself but it's terrifying. I feel for the people bringing their kids up, you just don't know what will happen. Kids play out here often on the streets, it's sad."
One local resident, who did not wish to be named, said she heard "what sounded like a firework" as she added: "It is known for being a rough area, police are always being called but everyone knows everyone and it's actually not a bad place."
A third added: "To be honest, I'm not shocked that it's happened. I heard two loud bangs but it was that quick I didn't think anything of it."
After the shooting it's believed the suspect, or suspects, drove away in the direction of Dagnall Road . An investigation has been launched and officers have been carrying out CCTV, forensic and witness enquiries at the scene.
One resident in a nearby street said: "I feel sorry for the neighbours, it seems to be constant. We heard a loud bang but didn't know what it was until we saw the police, it's not the first time something like this has happened around here.
"It's a minority though, I like where I live, all the neighbours know each other and it's lovely but it's a nightmare sometimes, the police are here all the time."
A police cordon around a property remained in place into Tuesday afternoon and patrols were also active in the local area, as Merseyside police say they want to provide reassurance to the community. One resident out walking said she had not heard anything about the events during the night but it was "worrying" that weapons are being "so freely used lately".
Detective chief inspector Rachel Wilson previously said: "We are in the very early stages of this investigation. We are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone with any information. We understand the fear that gun crime causes and I’d like to reassure the community that we think this was a targeted attack, one which we’re thoroughly investigating.
"Firearms have no place on the streets of Merseyside and we remain committed to removing them and the people who choose to carry them. It is absolutely vital that we get all information from those communities who feel the impact of gun crime, so we can bring those responsible to justice.
"This happened in a residential area and there will likely be people who may have witnessed the incident or know who is responsible. I would appeal to anyone who was on Springvale Close last night and saw anything or anyone suspicious to contact police.
"Similarly if you were driving in the area and have dashcam footage then please review it and tell us if you see anything. Information you hold could be vital to our investigation.
"Firing a gun in a residential street is extremely reckless and dangerous and could have led to more tragic circumstances. So if you know anything, please tell us and we’ll take action against those responsible."
Information and footage can be uploaded directly to the investigation team via the following link: unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/merseyside/appeal/22000390374 and can also be passed on via @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook.
You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form at crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously using the reference 22000390374.
