TWO or three gun shots were fired at the occupant of a vehicle in Birkby during broad daylight yesterday.
Worryingly, it happened metres away from the entrance to a busy park as people, including many children, enjoyed the afternoon sun.
Police have said no-one was injured during the shooting on Norman Road.
But it is believed it was a targeted incident and that the culprit is known to the victim.
The police are now following up several vital leads.
The incident happened just before 3.15pm yesterday afternoon on Norman Road – just metres away from one of the park’s entrances.
Initially just the lower section of the road was cordoned off but late yesterday evening police widened the cordon to cover the upper section of the road too. Residents living nearby in Norman Road spoke of their shock.
Mohammed Ali, who lives on Birkby Hall Road opposite the scene, said: “I heard a bit of a bang and thought it was a car crashing into something outside.
“I couldn’t see anything but then about a minute later I heard loads of police sirens – the place was heaving with police.
“Everyone is very concerned because it was in the middle of the afternoon and many children are playing out including my own.
“It is just so unexpected.”
Police scene of crime officers were at the scene yesterday while community officers were conducting enquiries with neighbours and witnesses.
Another resident, a 19-year-old who did not want to be named, said he heard two or three shots fired from his house a block away.
He said: “I heard a loud bang and knew it didn’t sound right.
“The fact it happened during the day when people could be walking by is terrifying.”
Maria Calthorpe, a mum of two, added: “I was just walking to the shop when I saw all the police arriving.
“I’m glad no-one was hurt but I’m also thankful I wasn’t here a few minutes earlier.”
