Two men arrested after gunman ‘opens fire inside Liverpool pub’ and blasts man in chest

Two men are arrested after gunman ‘opened fire inside Liverpool pub and blasted man in chest’ during first night of bars reopening across UK

  • Armed police were called to Old Bank pub in Huyton, Merseyside, last night 
  • Man in his 20s was found near the pub with injuries to his chest and is in hospital 
  • One witness said that the gunman fired two shots while running through the pub 
  • Two men aged 29 and 23 have been arrested for possessing firearm with intent 


Two men have been arrested after a gunman opened fire inside a Liverpool pub and blasted a man in the chest.  

Armed police were called to the Old Bank pub in Huyton, Merseyside, at about 8.20pm last night after reports of a shooting. 

A short time later a man was found with chest injuries nearby and has been taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.  

At around 10.55pm, a second man arrived at hospital with a gunshot wound to his groin, also assessed as non life-threatening.

Two men have been arrested after a gunman opened fire inside a Liverpool pub and blasted a man in the chest. Pictured: Forensics officers at the scene

These men, aged 29 and 23 and both from Huyton, have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent.

Officers will remain a high-visibility presence in the area today, to offer reassurance and gather any information.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Smith said: ‘We understand the concern that such incidents have, especially when taking place in such a public location with other people in close proximity. 

‘We’re pleased to have arrested two people who we believe were those involved, but nonetheless, I’d continue to appeal for any information which may be vital to this investigation going forward.

‘It’s absolutely key that all of those people present come forward, so we have full accounts of exactly what happened. If you saw or heard the incident, captured those responsible on CCTV, dashcam or other devices, or have heard anything since, come forward. This can be by speaking to those officers in the area today, or via other channels, directly or anonymously.

Armed police were called to the Old Bank pub in Huyton, Merseyside, at about 8.20pm last night after reports of a shooting

Armed police were called to the Old Bank pub in Huyton, Merseyside, at about 8.20pm last night after reports of a shooting 

‘The recent decrease in such serious gun crime incidents across Merseyside is testament to the hard work of officers and staff across the force, but also the information from those communities most impacted upon. With your help, we will keep removing weapons and those who use them from the streets.’ 

Forensics officers began scouring the scene last night and evidence was found that shots had been fired. 

One witness said that the gunman fired two shots while running through the pub before shooting the victim in the doorway. 

They told the Liverpool Echo: ‘The lad ran in there was running round the pub looking about, shot twice and then ran out, and as he ran out he shot someone in the door way, and ran off.’  

Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police with reference 1016 of 17 May.

You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 20000085245 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.