Arrest Made After Shots Fired at Liverpool Showcase Cinema, Newsagent, and House
A man has been arrested following a series of shooting incidents in Liverpool involving a cinema, newsagent, and a house. The Showcase Cinema in Croxteth was placed on lockdown after a man threatened staff and fired shots outside. No injuries were reported. A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and robbery. The police responded swiftly to the incidents, and the suspect was apprehended within 13 hours of the first shooting. The assistant chief constable described the three shootings in close proximity as “extremely rare.”
Shooting Incidents Unfold
The Showcase Cinema in Croxteth faced a major incident when a man threatened staff, fired shots, and escaped. Armed police were deployed to the scene around 20:50, and the cinema was placed on lockdown. Earlier, shots were fired at the News and Booze store, approximately a mile away. A man had entered the shop, threatened a shop assistant, demanded cash, fired a gun, and left empty-handed. Another shooting incident was reported at a property on Malpas Road around 22:20.
Eyewitness Account
Witnesses inside the cinema, unaware of the incident, were instructed to stay inside as armed police responded. One witness, Craig Moorhead, described being “shocked” and “terrified” as armed officers entered the cinema. He expressed concern for the safety of the children present during the lockdown. The police escorted cinema-goers to their cars after the situation was resolved.
Police Response and Arrest
Merseyside Police declared a major incident, and armed officers swiftly responded to the series of shootings. The suspect, reported to have threatened staff at the cinema and fired shots, was arrested at about 04:46 GMT in Fazakerley after a Taser was used. The 49-year-old man is in custody on suspicion of possession of a Section 1 firearm with intent to endanger life and robbery.
Police Statement
Assistant Chief Constable Jenn Wilson emphasized the shocking impact on those involved and the rarity of three separate shootings in close proximity. She praised the swift response of officers in identifying, locating, and arresting the suspect within 13 hours. The police continue their investigations into the incidents, maintaining a significant presence at Stonedale Retail Park, where the cinema is located.
The incident unfolded with three shootings in quick succession, involving a cinema, newsagent, and a house in Liverpool. The police responded promptly, leading to the arrest of a suspect within hours. The assistant chief constable highlighted the distress caused by the incidents and reaffirmed the commitment to combating gun crime and removing firearms from the streets. Investigations are ongoing at the crime scenes.