Bingo man shot by youths on bike

A 65-year-old bingo hall worker was shot after confronting two youths on a motorbike in Liverpool, police said.

The man was shot in the leg after following the youths off the car park of Granada bingo on East Prescot Road, in Dovecot, on Saturday night.

Police believe he was struck by one of four shots fired by the passenger on the orange and white scrambler.

He suffered a minor flesh wound and was taken to hospital. Merseyside Police are appealing for witnesses.

Police said the shooting happened after the victim confronted a group of youths outside the building.

'Cowardly attack'

After a brief exchange of words, he followed the two youths on the bike as it was ridden away before the passenger pulled out what was believed to be a handgun.

Det Ch Inspector Richie Davies, of Merseyside Police, said: "This was a cowardly and violent attack on a man who had been at work at the local bingo hall.

"Fortunately, he suffered only minor injuries to his leg and is recovering in hospital.

"However we take all incidents of this nature extremely seriously and I would like to reassure the community that we are determined to catch those responsible and get them and the weapon that was used off our streets."

Bullet casings

The detective appealed for anyone who witnessed the shooting, or who saw the youths riding around on the motorbike, to come forward.

Forensic examinations are taking place at the scene, which has been cordoned off.

Several bullet casings have been found and will be forensically examined later.

House-to-house inquiries have been carried out and detectives are examining CCTV from the bingo hall and the nearby shops.