The culprit behind a brutal point blank maiming caught on camera remains at large after two men arrested were told they would face no further action.
The victim, a 23-year-old man, was sitting close to a memorial for a murdered friend in Croxdale Road West when he was ambushed, at around 4.55pm on Saturday, July 2. Shocking mobile phone video footage, captured by a witness, showed the gunman appearing to stand over the victim holding a handgun, before seven loud bangs rang out in quick succession.
The man was hit in the legs and back, and further footage showed a number of members of the public administering first aid. Police said he was driven to hospital by passers-by who dropped him off at A&E before leaving the scene. The gunman was said to have fled the area in a white Seat Leon car.
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On July 6 Merseyside Police announced two men from West Derby, aged 35 and 31, had been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Both suspects were questioned and bailed.
But today the force confirmed those men have been told they will face no further action, and said detectives are still keen for more information from the public. Detectives have previously said their enquires suggested it was a targeted attack with no wider threat to the local community.
The ECHO understands the shooting may have been linked to another act of extreme violence nearby on June 14, where a man was left with a horrific slash wound to his face and stab wounds to his leg. That incident occurred at around 1.15am outside shops on Finch Lane, before the victim fled to an address on Altfinch Close via Colwell Road.
Merseyside Police previously said the force could not comment on any potential link but said it was pursuing "multiple lines of enquiry". Detective Inspector John Mullen, from Merseyside's Firearms Investigation Team, said: “We are progressing in the investigation and pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to bring those responsible to justice.
“Our officers are continuing to patrol the area and we urge anyone who saw something on Saturday afternoon which will assist in the investigation, however insignificant it may seem, to please let us know. I urge people who were in the area but may not have seen anything to please check your dashcam footage and any CCTV that could have they captured something which may be vital to the case."
Anyone with information or CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage of the shooting incident is asked to direct message the force's social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference. 22000467138.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form here.
Do you have any information on these incidents? Email Crime Reporter Jonathan Humphries at jonathan.humphries@reachplc.com or on Twitter at @jhumphriesecho
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