Police closed off East Prescot Road shortly after 11pm on Saturday due to an ongoing incident.
Witnesses to the scene described armed police , multiple police cars, ambulances and a helicopter at the scene.
A number of residents in the area contacted the ECHO to say they believed there had been a shooting, but at time of writing this had not been confirmed.
A police spokesperson said there was an "ongoing incident" but could not comment further.
Others described having to park their cars and walk home because of the cordon.
One night shift worker who contacted the ECHO said that at around 11pm he was sitting in his office when he heard arguing outside.
He said: "There was then a loud bang followed by the sound of a man saying 'aarghh aarghh' as if he was in considerable pain.
"I went to check from the window and I saw a man getting into a car and driving off towards East Prescot Road.
"My colleague went outside to check after about five minutes but saw nothing, but could smell a musky burning smell in the air, but it wasn't a firework smell. I can only assume it was a gun shot smell."
Merseyside Police tweeted: "Due to an incident East Prescot Road is currently closed near the junction of Taurus Road, please avoid this area and find an alternative route."
