A man is in hospital after he was shot by a gunman in a pub on the first night of post lockdown re-opening.
Armed police swarmed on the boozer after the shocking incident unfolded on Monday at about 8.20pm.
Local police said a man in his 20s was found with chest injuries nearby and has been taken to hospital for assessment.
A forensics team were spotted investigating the pub's entrance, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The gunman ran through the pub before firing a number of shots, a witness claimed.
They said that he fired two shots before running towards the exit and shooting the victim in the doorway.
The man said: "The lad ran in [and] was running round the pub looking about, shot twice and then ran out, and as he ran out he shot someone in the door way, and ran off."
House-to-house, forensic and CCTV enquiries are now under way and officers said they will be carrying out extra patrols to offer reassurance and gather information.
In a statement Merseyside Police said the incident happened inside the Old Bank pub, Princess Drive, Huyton, following an 'altercation.'
Armed police were called to reports of gunfire inside the pub and evidence was later found to confirm that shots had been fired.
Chief Inspector Steve Hardy said: “Although the exact circumstances are to be confirmed, we initially believe that the victim was shot inside the pub, before being found injured a short time later.
"That shots have been fired inside a public place will understandably shock those in the local community and beyond.
"We believe that people inside or close to the location will have seen or heard something, and we’re looking to speak to all of those people as soon as possible."
Officers have appealed for help and anybody with descriptions of those involved or who 'saw anyone running off' or in possession of footage is asked to come forward.
He added: "Such incidents have decreased a lot in recent months, and key to seizing weapons and putting people before the courts is information held in the areas affected.
"We understand the worry that people sometimes have when talking to police so whether you come forward directly or anonymously to Crimestoppers, tell us what you know.”
Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC with reference 1016 of 17 May.
You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 20000085245 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
