A rare act of gun violence shook the normally quiet streets of Walton last night when a man was shot in the buttock on Fountains Road. Merseyside Police have launched an urgent investigation and are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information that may help track down the perpetrators.
The incident occurred just after 9:00 PM on Friday, February 21, 2025, when a dark-colored car pulled up alongside the victim, who was standing on Fountains Road. According to initial reports, a passenger in the rear of the vehicle opened the door and fired a single shot before the car sped away from the scene.
Merseyside Police responded swiftly to reports of gunfire, but by the time officers arrived, the victim had fled the scene in a car. He later presented himself at a nearby hospital, where medical staff treated him for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the buttock.
Forensic Investigation and Community Appeal
Crime scene investigators have cordoned off Fountains Road, conducting thorough forensic examinations. Officers are also carrying out house-to-house inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from the area in hopes of identifying the shooter, the driver, and another passenger believed to be in the car.
Detective Inspector Mike Fletcher, leading the investigation, condemned the brazen attack:
“This was a shocking and reckless act of violence on our streets. We are relentless in our pursuit of those involved in gun crime and will do everything in our power to remove these dangerous individuals from our communities.”
Police have since increased high-visibility patrols across Walton to reassure residents shaken by the incident.
Community Cooperation Is Key
Detective Inspector Fletcher stressed the critical role the public plays in solving violent crimes:
“We can’t do this alone. I urge anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, or who has any CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage from the area, to come forward. Even the smallest detail could help us bring those responsible to justice.”
Residents near Fountains Road reported hearing the gunshot, with some expressing concerns over the increasing frequency of violent crime. For many, the incident served as a stark reminder of the dangers that can emerge unexpectedly in familiar neighborhoods.
How to Provide Information
Authorities are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen the dark vehicle in the area before or after the shooting, or who may have captured footage of the suspects.
- Contact Merseyside Police: Call 101 or report online, quoting reference number 1038 of 21 February.
- Social Media: Reach out via X (formerly Twitter) at @MerseyPolice or through Facebook at ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.
- Anonymous Reporting: Contact Crimestoppers UK anonymously at 0800 555 111.
Victim Recovering but Psychological Scars Remain
The victim, whose identity has not been released, is currently recovering in hospital. While his physical injuries are not considered life-threatening, experts caution that the psychological trauma of surviving a shooting can have lasting impacts.
Detective Inspector Fletcher concluded with a strong message to the community:
“Gun crime has no place in our city. Help us put the person responsible for firing the gun where he belongs—behind bars.”
Ongoing Battle Against Gun Crime
Merseyside Police have made significant progress in tackling gun crime in recent years, with targeted operations leading to numerous arrests and seizures of illegal firearms. However, as this incident highlights, the threat of gun violence still looms, making community cooperation more vital than ever.
Residents are hopeful that the increased police presence in Walton will deter further violence and lead to swift arrests. In the meantime, Merseyside Police remain committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
For more updates on this developing story, visit thesentinelcurrent.co.uk.
