Armed police shoot out tyres of taxi and arrest man near football stadium

21 May 2024 , 19:48

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Armed police shoot out tyres of taxi and arrest man near football stadium

Armed police shot out the tyres of a taxi and arrested a man close to Everton's Goodison Park stadium in Liverpool.

Merseyside Police officers are on Walton Lane, Walton following the incident today with part of the road still closed. Pictures show what appears to be bullet casings scattered on the road next to a red Delta taxi, which is within a cordon. Police have now confirmed at just before 1pm today a private hire taxi was stopped by armed police officers, who shot at the tyres. A 26 year-old man has been arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of a firearm.

The firearm, believed to be a self-loading pistol, has been recovered and will be forensically examined. A section of Walton Lane is currently closed in both directions to allow for investigative work to be carried out and motorists are advised to avoid the area. Detective Inspector John Mullen said: “A tactical and safe stop of the vehicle was carried out on Walton Lane by trained armed police officers who shot out the tyres in a controlled manner.

Armed police shot the tyres of the car (Liverpool Echo)

One man inside the vehicle was arrested on suspicion of firearms offences. We are in the very early stages of our enquiries but removing firearms from the streets of Merseyside and keeping people safe remains a priority for the force. I would like to thank the public for their patience while this matter is being dealt with.”

A cordon had been set up on the road (Liverpool Echo)

The latest statement from Merseyside Police reads: "We can confirm officers are currently on Walton Lane in Liverpool as part of a pre-planned vehicle stop. At just before 1pm today, Tuesday 21 May, a private hire taxi was safely stopped by armed police officers on the city-bound carriageway.

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"A 26 year-old man has been arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of a firearm. A firearm, believed to be a self-loading pistol, has been recovered and will be forensically examined. A section of Walton Lane is currently closed in both directions to allow for investigative work to be carried out and motorists are advised to avoid the area."

Tim Hanlon