The shooting, in Litherland, took place at about 12.30am this morning. A gang of men in dark clothing were seen fleeing the scene, with residents reporting mulitple gunshots were fired. No one is believed to have been hurt in the shooting and police are currently carrying out searches of the area and speaking to witnesses.

       Police put in place a cordon off Kirstone Road North after the incident, with the area remaining sealed off this morning.

       The gang of men were seen running from Kirkstone Road North along Cumpsty Road, towards Gorsey Lane, according to witnesses.

       Police say nobody was hurt and no property was damaged, in what they described as a "extremely reckless" and targeted attack.

       A Merseyside Police spokesperson told the Liverpool ECHO: "Police attended and evidence consistent with shots being fired was found. No damage to property or injuries were reported.

       "Officers remain at the scene to carry out CCTV, forensic and witness enquiries, and to provide reassurance to the local community."

       Detective Chief Inspector Matt Smith of our Firearms Investigation Team said: “We are in the early stages of an investigation into the incident in Litherland last night and we’re keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone with any information.

       “Whether you saw or heard the incident or anyone making off, check your CCTV, dashcam or other devices and come forward.

       “It initially appears that this was a targeted attack, which thankfully didn’t result in anyone being injured.

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       “To fire a gun in a residential area is extremely reckless and could have led to tragedy, so if you know anything, please tell us and we’ll take action to find those responsible and bring them to justice.”

       One neighbour said they heard about "10 gun shots" at about 12.30am this morning.

       Forensic officers arrived at the scene early this morning, with two matrix vand and a marked police car arriving at about 10.30am.

       Officers have started to take step-by-step checks on Kirkstone Road North.

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       Photos show a row of officers trawling the ground for evidence.

       The forensic team appear to be taking an interet in a parked black Renault Clio which is located in the centre of the cordon, according to the Liverpool Echo.

       The reporter on the scene reports that something from or near the car has been taken for evidence.