Police investigation after terrifying drive-by shooting

The incident happened at around 9.30pm on last night at The Avenue, in Banks, near Southport when a car containing four men in the sinister headware pulled up alongside a white Transit van.

One of the occupants of the car discharged a firearm, believed to be a handgun, at the van a number of times.

But the driver and passenger of the van were not injured.

The car then drove off from the area.

Officers are trying to trace the vehicle and the four occupants.

Det Supt Neil Ashton said: “We appreciate this incident will have caused concern in the local community so I would like to reassure residents that while incidents of this kind are rare, we are doing everything we can to find the people responsible and have increased patrols in the area.

“If you have any information that could assist with our investigation, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information can approach a local officer or call 101 quoting incident reference 1809 of July 7th.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111 or online at‎ crimestoppers-uk.org