A man was allegedly shot by another man outside the Golden Lion pub at around 4.20pm today (Sunday July 31). Armed officers and an ambulance are said to have rushed to the scene in Church Street, with police having cordoned off the area to deal with the incident. Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening at this stage. An investigation has been launched which includes CCTV, forensic investigations and witness inquiries. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to contact police. An air ambulance in Rainford (Image: Andy Grice) Chief Inspector Phil Cowin said: “We are in the extremely early stages of our investigation and are working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances of a shooting at the Golden Lion pub this afternoon which left a man injured. “We believe this was a targeted attack and there is no wider threat to the community in Rainford following this incident. “However, we know that to see a shooting in a pub in the middle of the day would be incredibly shocking. I want to reassure people that detectives are working around the clock to find whoever is responsible and bring them to justice. “Shootings like the one in Rainford thankfully remain rare and the number of shootings in Merseyside is at its lowest level for 21 years. However, a reckless incident like this is one too many, and I would appeal to anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible. “If you were in the Rainford area around 4 p.m. this afternoon and you saw anything or anyone suspicious please let us know. Likewise, if you were driving along Church Road and have dashcam footage, please check it out and let us know if you see anything. “At this early stage of our investigation, any information you have may be vital to our investigation. Whether you speak to our officers at the scene, or communicate anonymously through Crimestoppers, get in touch and help us keep our communities safe. “There is no place for guns and the fear and damage they cause on the streets of Merseyside and we will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.” If you witnessed this incident or have any information please message @MerPolCC direct, message “Merseyside Police Contact Centre” on Facebook or call 101 quoting log 754 of Sunday 31 July. Police presence in Rainford (Image: Andy Grice)
