APPEAL FOR INFORMATION FOLLOWING SHOOTING

MERSEYSIDE Police are appealing for information after a 18 year old man was shot in his home on Cornwood Close, Allerton, on the night of Friday, 1 January 2010 (New Year's Day).

Officers were called to the address just before 11.40pm. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to his back and abdomen. He was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment for his injuries. His condition is described as critical but stable.

At this stage the motive for the shooting is not clear although it would appear to be a targeted attack and enquiries are continuing.

It is believed that the two offenders, both armed with handguns, forced their way in to the house. They were wearing balaclavas and dark clothing. One of the attacker's is described as approximately 5ft 8in tall with a muscular build.

The investigation is in its early stages. Crime Scene Investigators are carrying out forensic examinations at the scene and officers are carrying out house-to-house enquiries. High visibility patrols have been stepped up in the area to reassure the local community.

Detective Superintendent Paul Richardson, said:- "Whilst I believe this to be a targeted incident it was a cold blooded and brazen attack on a young man in his own home. I am well aware that there is probably more to this than we are aware of at the moment and I would appeal to anyone who has any information which could help us to find these attackers to come forward and speak to me in confidence."

Anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information is asked to call the Merseyside Police Guncrime Hotline on:- 0800 458 1211, or Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.

PUBLIC ADVISED TO TAKE CARE DURING ADVERSE WEATHER

THE emergency services in Merseyside continue to work hard to deal with problems resulting from the cold weather.  Motorists are being advised to avoid making unnecessary journeys during the icy weather and if they must make a journey to drive with extreme caution.  Inspector Mark Williamson is advising people to avoid making journeys by car unless absolutely necessary, and if they do take  to the roads, to drive with extreme care.  "There is still sheet ice on a lot of our roads which not visible to drivers so I would urge people to drive more carefully today, wherever they are going, and to be more mindful of the other cars around them and the road conditions. Drivers should leave plenty of room between them and the car in front, drive slower than they normally would, use their gears to slow down where possible rather than their brakes, and to pay attention to traffic information given on local radio stations. Better still avoid taking to the roads at all if that is possible unless your journey is absolutely vital. Pedestrians must take extra care too, especially those out walking their dogs or listening to their music players or on their mobile telephones. You should make sure you are highly visible to other road users and take extra care when crossing busy roads and beware of the icy, snowy conditions."

MURDER ANNIVERSARY - SEAN FINNAN

MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives investigating the murder of Sean Finnan are appealing for information, a year after the 22 year old's death.

Just before 8pm on Monday, 5 January 2009, Sean Finnan, 22, from Childwall, become involved in a fight with men in Barons Hey, Stockbridge Village. Sean was stabbed and beaten during the assault and taken to hospital. He died in the evening of Friday, 9 January 2009.

Sean had been looking for a stolen bicycle before he was assaulted and it was recovered in woodland near to Little Wood Lodge between the M57 motorway and the B5194 road.

Sean's untimely and tragic death has totally devastated his family and friends. His parents, Rose and Joe Finnan, have urged
people to come forward if they have any information that could assist Merseyside Police with their investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Keelan said:- "I would like to take this opportunity to appeal for anyone who knows any information about the circumstances surrounding the death of Sean Finnan. We are particularly keen to talk to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area, at the time of the assault, to come forward and help us with our enquiries. Even if you don't think you know anything that may be useful to us, I would still ask you to come forward, even the slightest amount of detail could be vital. We firmly believe that the answers lie within the local community and someone knows who is responsible for this terrible act, which has left a family devastated. It's not too late to search your conscience and come forward."

Merseyside Police is continuing to appeal for witnesses and anyone with any information is asked to call:- 0151 777 4806 or Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.

Anthony Johnson from the Southport Murder Update - "PM RESULTS"

FOLLOWING the tragic death of Antony Johnson last week, Wednesday, 30 December 2010, in Lord Street, Southport, preliminary post mortem results show that Mr Johnson died as a result of blunt force trauma to the face and head. Full PM results have been withheld pending toxicology results. (LINK)