A mum screamed at her children to ‘get down on the floor’ after hearing gunshots as her next-door neighbour was shot dead.
The victim, who is aged 36 but has yet to be named, was killed in an ‘appalling and tragic incident’ on Quarryside Drive in Kirkby, Merseyside, just after 6.30pm yesterday evening.
Detectives have appealed for anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dash cam footage to come forward and help them piece together ‘why the incident took place and who was involved’.
One mum of two young children said she lives in the house next door to the attack and was at home when it happened.
She said: ‘I was out doing jobs in the garden. Then I went back in the house and the next minute, I heard loads of loud bangs.
‘I knew what it was. So I told my kids to get down on the floor. I just wanted to make sure they were okay. Then I took my daughter and got out of the house.’
Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and will be supported by specialist family liaison officers.
Detective Superintendent Mark Drew said: ‘A murder investigation is under way this evening following an appalling and tragic incident in which a man has lost his life after he was fatally shot.
‘Our thoughts first and foremost are with his family, who are trying to come to terms with his loss.
‘We are still in the very early stages of the investigation as we seek to establish why the incident took place and who was involved.
‘We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at around 6.35pm and witnessed the incident to contact Merseyside Police.
‘If you live in the area, please check your CCTV, dashcam devices or doorbell footage and if you see anything suspicious, please let us know. Any information you provide, however insignificant it may seem, could be vital to our investigation.’
Det Supt Drew added: ‘There is no room for guns on the streets of Merseyside and we will do everything within our power to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
‘My message to those involved in gun crime and serious organised crime is clear – Merseyside Police will never rest, we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved.
‘Information from the public is vital if we are to breakdown the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.
‘I completely understand that speaking up could be daunting, but when people are willing to support the police we will ensure every possible avenue is progressed to protect them.’
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