Police have shared an update after two men were shot inside a pub during a horrific attack last night.
Officers said the incident is now believed to have been targeted but an investigation into the full circumstances is ongoing.
Armed police and paramedics were called to the Market Tavern pub in Kirkby town centre on Monday night, after two men were shot.
It is believed that two masked gunmen entered the pub before multiple shots were fired at the victims who were later taken to hospital
A 31-year-old man and a 35-year-old man reportedly sustained serious gunshots wounds in the attack.
It is not yet known where they suffered the gunshot wounds and what condition they are in.
Within minutes, officers were also deployed to Delfby Crescent in Southdene after a gunman opened fire on a residential street causing damage to a house.
Police have not yet confirmed if the two incidents are connected.
The ECHO is continuing to bring live updates from the scene here.
Speaking to the ECHO, one witness at the scene of the shooting in Kirkby town centre, said: "Two fellas in black masks entered the pub and walked over to the men as they sat having a drink.
"People were shouting for them to stop but one of them then fired two or three shots at them as they sat with a drink."
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We are investigating, Monday, 25 November, following reports of a firearms discharge in Kirkby.
"Officers were contacted just before 6.45pm to reports that a 31-year-old man and 35-year-old man had both received gunshot wounds in the Market Tavern, Newtown Gardens.
"The men were treated at the scene and have both been taken to hospital for further treatment.
"An investigation into the full circumstances of the incident is ongoing but at this stage it is believed to have been targeted."
In an appeal for witnesses to come forward, Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton said: "The investigation is currently in its early stages and we are working to establish what has happened.
"I would appeal for anyone who was in the area around Newtown Gardens in Kirkby Town Centre, this evening who has seen anything to contact us a matter of urgency as they may have information which is vital to this investigation.
"I want to reassure the public that we are committed to tackling gun crime and we will continue to take action to protect our communities from individuals who use firearms with no thought for members of the public."
A cordon was put in place at the junction of Dulas Road as Matrix officers and detectives launched a second investigation at the scene on Delfby Crescent.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "Detectives are appealing for information after shots were fired at a house in Kirkby tonight (Monday 25 November).
"Shortly before 7pm officers were called to Delfby Crescent to reports of shots being fired at a property, causing damage to a wall but no injuries. An investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances.
"House to house, forensic and CCTV enquiries are being carried out in the local area."
Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton said: "Thankfully nobody was hurt during this incident but this was clearly a reckless act and I would urge anyone who saw or heard anything to come forward as soon as possible to help us bring those responsible to justice.
“I would ask anyone who was in the area of Delfby Crescent tonight who saw anything suspicious to contact us.
"Similarly I would ask anyone in the area who has CCTV or a dash cam to check the footage as they may have captured something important.
“Merseyside Police remains committed to taking guns and weapons off our streets so they can’t be used to cause fear and intimidation and information from the local community is vital in helping us to do that.”
Anyone with information about either shooting is asked to contact Merseyside Police by calling 101 or via their Twitter account @MerPolCC.
You can also call @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111.
