Police have taken a "significant" gun from three hooded men - after they attempted to throw it over a wall.
A big police presence was in Bootle earlier this afternoon, as officers had to chase the men.
Officers were on patrol at about 2.30pm before they saw three men in an alleyway between Beatrice Street and Benedict Street.
The force said all men were wearing dark clothes, hoods up, and as they approached them they "ran off".
As officers began to chase the men, a black bag was thrown over the wall of a property.
The bag, police said, had a Glock handgun, gun magazine and a number of bullets in it.
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Two of the three men were arrested - a 20-year-old of no fixed abode and a 28-year-old man from Kirkdale.
Both were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.
Detective Chief Inspector Sabi Kaur of the Firearms Investigation Team, said: "The force is committed to tackling those involved in serious organised crime, particularly those involved in gun crime, and has dedicated significant resources into taking weapons and offenders off our streets.
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"This is a significant recovery of an extremely dangerous weapon and as a result our streets are safer today.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref. 20000531299 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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