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Retail park closed to public after major shooting incident

Shots were fired at three locations across the city last night
A Liverpool retail park has been closed to the public as officers investigate reports of shots fired outside a cinema.

A man has been arrested after a major incident was declared following reports shots were fired at three locations in Liverpool last night (Wednesday, January 3). Merseyside Police were called to the News and Booze store (known locally as Sangha's newsagents) on Lower House Lane, Norris Green, at around 8.30pm.

It was reported a man had entered the shop at about 8pm, threatened the store assistant and demanded cash before firing a gun and leaving the store empty handed. The shop assistant was not injured during the incident, but was extremely distressed by the ordeal.

Just before 8.50pm police received a further call to report that shots had been fired outside the Showcase Cinema on Stonedale retail park in Croxteth. It was reported that a man with a gun entered the cinema complex and threatened two members of staff in the foyer, before leaving.

When he got outside he fired a number of shots in the air before escaping in a car. The cinema was put into lockdown when officers arrived at the scene.

At about 10.20pm further reports were received that gun shots were heard at a property on Malpas Road.

A 49 year-old man from Fazakerley was arrested by Armed Response Officers at 4.46am when warrants were carried out at a property in Fazakerley. When officers attended the property the male was aggressive and a Taser was deployed.

The man, who was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Section 1 firearm with intent to endanger life and robbery, has been taken to a police station where he remains in custody.

Stonedale retail park and all shops within the area will remain closed while officers continue their investigations. Officers said the public will be made aware when the retail park is reopened.