Murder probe launched after man shot dead in Kirkby

A murder investigation has been launched after a man was shot dead in Merseyside last night.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene of the incident on Quarryside Drive in Kirkby at around 6.35pm on Wednesday evening (July 17). Merseyside Police said officers 'received a report that a 36-year-old had been shot'.

The victim was rushed to hospital by paramedics but was sadly pronounced dead a short time later. His family has been informed and being supported, police said.

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A cordon was put in place across Quarryside Drive as investigations continued into the night last night. Forensic officers were spotted scouring the scene for evidence.

Police described the incident as 'appalling and tragic' as they appealed for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Detective Superintendent Mark Drew said: "A murder investigation is underway this evening following an appalling and tragic incident in which a man has lost his life after he was fatally shot.

"Our thoughts first and foremost are with his family, who are trying to come to terms with his loss. We are still in the very early stages of the investigation as we seek to establish why the incident took place and who was involved.

"We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at around 6.35pm and witnessed the incident to contact Merseyside Police. If you live in the area, please check your CCTV, dashcam devices or doorbell footage and if you see anything suspicious, please let us know. Any information you provide, however insignificant it may seem, could be vital to our investigation."

Det Supt Drew added: "There is no room for guns on the