Gamekeeper shot in arm

The gamekeeper was shot near Knowsley Hall

A gamekeeper is recovering after being shot while at work on an estate near Liverpool.

The 38-year-old was patrolling the perimeter fence on the Knowsley Hall when he was shot at 2310 BST on Wednesday.

Detectives say the shooting follows a number of recent incidents involving game poachers at the estate.

The incident is one of two separate shootings in the Liverpool area being investigated by Merseyside Police.

Hospital treatment

A police spokeswoman told BBC News Online said the gamekeeper was investigating a disturbence in the kennels when he was hit.

She said the man was taken to hospital and released after treatment.

The shooting happened on the Ormskirk Road side of the estate, three-quarters of a mile from the historic Knowsley Hall house, owned by Lord Derby.

Merseyside Police is appealing for witnesses

Police enquires at the estate were continuing on Thursday.

In a separate incident, police are appealing for witnesses after a man was shot at 0530 BST on Thursday.

The 31-year-old, who has not been named, was shot in the chest on Stanley Road in Bootle.

He was taken to Fazakerley Hospital where his condition is described as stable.

Police are appealing for anyone who heard gunshots in the area to contact them.