A teenage boy is fighting for his life in hospital after he was shot outside a busy pub last night.
Merseyside Police say the 17-year-old is in a critical condition after suffering injuries to his torso and legs during the "targeted attack".
Officers were called to The Lounge Bar in Waterloo at around 11.15pm and they cordoned it off before launching an investigation.
Detectives have been examining forensic evidence, interviewing witnesses and reviewing CCTV, but the shooter remains at large.
Chief Inspector Steve Hardy said: “Our investigation is in its very early stages, and we are keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard this incident.
“This area of South Road has a number of bars and restaurants so we know it would have been busy on a Friday night, and we have spoken to a number of witnesses already."
He added: “We understand the fear that gun crime causes to residents and visitors to the area – many of those on South Road last night would have simply wanted to enjoy a peaceful night out with friends and family.
“I want to assure people in the community that we think this was a targeted attack, and that our investigation will leave no stone unturned as we seek to put those responsible before the courts and take the firearm used off our streets.
“We continue to regularly seize weapons and arrest suspects connected to such incidents and will act on all information provided on gun crime to remove weapons and those who use them from the community. Please come forward with what you know, directly or anonymously, and we will do the rest.”
Merseyside Police detectives are also investigating a shooting in Huyton, which happened at around 5.55pm on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man died in hospital after he was shot twice in the chest during what is believed to be a targeted attack.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Hurst, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are determined to find whoever was responsible as soon as possible, and we need anyone with information of any kind to come forward.
"We believe that the man was alone in Newway when he was shot twice in the chest by another male in a targeted attack.
"We also believe the gunman was riding a bike and may have made off in the direction of Liverpool Road."
