A scrambler bike rider was shot in his leg and arm when two thugs confronted him.
The victim, in his 30s, was travelling down Alder Lane, in Knowsley Village, this afternoon when he was approached by two men.
They demanded he hand over his bike, at 4.35pm, and then shot him, leaving him with serious, but not life-threatening, injuries.
One of the gun yobs was on his own bike, described as blue and white in colour, and the second stole the victim's bike and rode off on it.
That is a red and white Honda.
Emergency services attended and the victim was rushed to hospital for assessment of injuries to his leg and arm.
An investigation is underway and officers remain in the area to carry out witness, forensic and CCTV enquiries.
Detectives have described the shooting as "shocking" and "despicable."
Detective Inspector Leanne Hobin, of Merseyside Police, said: “We are in the very early stages of an investigation following this shocking incident this afternoon, and I would ask anyone who witnessed the incident, or any suspicious behaviour in the area at the time to please get in touch.
“A man has been shot in broad daylight and I know how concerning this will be for the local community. I want to reassure them that a thorough investigation will now take place as we pursue those responsible.
"High-visibility patrols will be stepped up in the area and I would encourage anyone with information, or CCTV or dashcam footage, to please come forward, as it make greatly assist our enquires.
“Likewise, if you saw two males on bikes fitting the above descriptions, please let us know.
"The use of weapons on our streets is despicable and totally unacceptable, and we are determined to remove them, and people that use them, from our streets.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has further information, CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref 663 of 26 February or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
