People woke up to find a police cordon in place around their homes this morning, with some residents unable to get to work after suspected gun fired.
A large police cordon was put in place at Market Place in Prescot on Thursday, May 25, stretching to parts of Kemble Street and Sewell Street. Several police vehicles were seen at each end of the cordon and motorists and pedestrians were being diverted.
Many people said they were confused when they woke up to find the cordon in place. Residents were unable to get to work within the cordon and others said they were "running late" due to having to walk around.
READ MORE: Live updates as road closed due to police incident
On Thursday, one woman who lived on Sewell Street, described the traffic as "mayhem" as the morning went on with buses and cars all having to turn around. She told the ECHO: "I don't know why they didn't close the road from the bottom of the street."
One man, in nearby flats, said: "I've had no sleep the past two nights with police in the area. It's getting worse."
Merseyside Police confirmed that around 11.30pm on May 24, it was reported that a man was on Kemble Street and a loud bang was heard and four males running away. It was reported the suspect made off towards Manchester Road after the loud bang was heard.
It is not believed there were any injuries and no evidence of damage or bullets have been recovered. But an investigation has been launched and people are advised to avoid the area.
One worker, who did not wish to be named, was hoping to work on nearby scaffolding but was turned away this morning. He said the area is "rife lately" and the cordon came as "no surprise" as he added: "There's always something".
Arriva North West said services 61 and 89 were to be diverted, omitting Warrington Road, Prescot Bus Station and Sewell Street. This left some public transport users confused this morning as they did not know where to get their morning bus. Stagecoach buses were also seen turning in the middle of the road, unaware of the police cordon.
Detective Chief Inspector of Firearm Investigation Team, Paul McVeigh said: "There is no evidence to suggest a discharge took place at this stage. However, we are carrying out a search of the area as a precautionary measure to recover any evidence we might find.
"I am appealing for anyone who was in the vicinity of Kemble Street at around 11.30pm last night who may have seen or heard anything suspicious to contact us. I urge people to check your CCTV or dashcam for footage for any footage for any captured the incident or a male acting suspiciously in the area or making off from the scene which will help with the investigation."
If you have any information on this incident, or who has information which could help with inquiries, is asked to DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 with reference 1287 of 24 May. You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
READ NEXT:
Live updates as road closed due to police incident
See who you remember in these 19 photos of Merseyside teachers
Smell of weed led police to door of war veteran who tried to flush bags down the toilet
Boy, 10, pinned schoolgirl, 11, to wall by her neck in horrifying attack
Frankie Bridge looks 'flawless' in £46 New Look dress 'perfect for a wedding'
