Loved ones of a 20-year-old man shot dead at a house last night howled with grief and disbelief as they arrived at the murder scene, neighbours said.
The victim suffered a fatal wound after a gun was fired on Harrington Road in Litherland, at about 11.10pm, and later died at hospital.
Residents were awoken by the sound of two shots, and many ran out into the street to see what the noise was.
Police arrived at the scene to find the injured victim and also damage to the window of a house consistent with a firearms discharge.
Locals said the 20-year-old was inside the address at the time, and shots were fired through the window, but that is as yet unconfirmed.
Attempts were made to give the victim emergency CPR in the hallway of a house, observers said, but those efforts were sadly in vain.
This morning, stunned neighbours described how those who knew the victim quickly arrived at the Harrington Road address, shortly after the shooting.
They were heard yelling with shock and anger after just finding out about the tragedy.
Onlookers living close to the murder scene referred to the victim as "Mikey" and said he was a "nice kid who enjoyed skateboarding with another member of the family".
Residents also spoke of seeing a person riding an electric bike away from the scene shortly afterwards.
Following the fatal shooting - which Merseyside Police described as "violent and tragic" tributes to the 20-year-old began to emerge on social media.
One friend wrote: "Absolutely heartbroken, he had his whole life in front of him."
Another added: "RIP Mikey.
"Can't believe it, far too young, one of the nicest lads ever.
"God must only take the best.
"Shine bright up there."
A short 50 metre scene was sealed off today by police and forensic investigators, in white suits, were seen at the property taking photographs and combing the area for evidence.
Many residents said there had been very little trouble on the street, near Bootle Golf Course, for a few years.
One woman, who had left her home on Harrington Road at 7am to check on her mum, was sat on a deckchair on the street, unable to get back to her house.
A post mortem examination is due to be carried out and the 20-year-old's next of kin have been informed.
CCTV from the area is being examined.
Detective Inspector Tracey Martin, of Merseyside Police, said: “We are in the very early stages of an investigation this morning as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the violent and tragic killing of a young man in Litherland.
“Officers will remain in Harrington Road and the surrounding areas throughout the upcoming days to speak to witnesses and gather evidence and I would urge you, if you have any information at all that could assist our enquiries, to please get in touch.
“I know how much this will shock and concern the local community but I want to reassure you, an extensive investigation will now take place to locate those responsible and bring them to justice.
"Those involved in gun crime have no regard for the fear or harm they cause however we will not tolerate this, and will relentlessly pursue anyone who thinks it is acceptable.
“If you have any information about this incident, saw or heard any suspicious behaviour in Harrington Road or the surrounding areas, or have any dashcam or CCTV footage, please contact us so we can investigate it thoroughly.”
You can contact police with any information at @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref. 20000205585 or @CrimestoppersUK, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
