Liverpool firearms operation leads to four arrests after private hire vehicle tyres shot out

Four men have been arrested in connection with firearms offences following a coordinated police operation in north Liverpool and Wirral. The arrests took place on Wednesday 28 August, as part of an ongoing investigation conducted by the Organised Crime Partnership in collaboration with the National Crime Agency.

The operation stems from an incident on Tuesday, 21 May 2024, when police officers stopped a private hire vehicle on Walton Lane by shooting out its tyres. During the stop, officers seized a blank-firing pistol and ammunition, leading to a wider investigation.

Two men, aged 30 and 36, were arrested on suspicion of possessing a prohibited firearm, conspiracy to sell or transfer a prohibited firearm, and possessing a firearm when prohibited. A third man, aged 30, was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to sell or transfer a prohibited firearm, while a 27-year-old was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm.

All four men remain in custody and will be questioned by detectives in the coming days.

This operation follows the earlier arrest of Christopher James, 26, who was apprehended in May in connection with the same incident. James has since been charged with multiple firearms offences, including possession of ammunition without a certificate and possession of a firearm when prohibited for life. He is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 10 September.

The investigation continues as authorities seek to clamp down on organised crime and firearms offences in the region.

Detective Inspector Laura Parr said: “I can confirm that four more men have been arrested this morning in connection to the firearm recovery in May.

“I hope the action taken today shows Merseyside Police and the National Crime Agency’s relentless pursuit of those suspected as being involved in serious organised crime in Merseyside and how we are determined to rid our streets of dangerous firearms that cause misery for local people in our communities.

“Enforcement operations like the warrants carried out this morning illustrates that Merseyside Police and the NCA will proactively tackle issues that matter most to our residents and keep our streets safe. This supports the work we do every day of the year to tackle those involved in serious organised crime.

“Information from the public is vital if we are to breakdown the organised crime groups and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.”