Two men arrested after threats made with a gun towards police officers in Everton

Two men have been arrested following an operation connected to threats being made with a gun to police officers in Everton earlier this week.
 
On Tuesday 9 August, Matrix officers were on patrol on Thirlmere Road at about 1.10am when they saw a man wearing a balaclava. As the officers approached the man he turned round and threatened them before pointing a gun at them. He then ran off along Rydal Street towards Breck Road. Following this incident it was reported the man had also threatened the occupants of car with a gun on Thirlmere Road just before officers arrived.
 
Yesterday (Thursday 11 August), a planned operation resulted in the arrest of two men and the seizure of a vehicle, which will be forensically examined. Searches have also been carried out in various locations.
 
The men arrested are a 31-year-old from Anfield and a 25-year-old from Wavertree. Both were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and have been taken into custody to be questioned by detectives.
 
Detective Inspector Neil Dillon said: “This weekend residents will see significant police activity in the Everton and surrounding areas, both to gather evidence and identify those responsible, and to disrupt other criminal activity which causes risk and harm to those who live, work and visit the area. 
 
“Whether it is information about suspected drug dealing, the storage and use of weapons, or any other criminality, tell us what you know and we will take immediate and robust action. Tuesday’s incident saw an officer and earlier a member of the public being threatened, and with the public’s help, we can and will have a positive impact to make our streets safer.  
 
“It is pleasing to have made these arrests yesterday but our investigation is very much ongoing. We’re determined to all intelligence that comes in so we can remove all those involved from our communities. People who bring firearms onto the streets are a threat to us all.
 
“If you know anything about the incident, or live or travel locally and may hold dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage to potentially assist, pass it on and we will make the assessment.
 
“Evidence you may regard as trivial could prove vital as we seek to bring those responsible to justice.”
 
You can also pass on any information via DM @MerPolCC, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook quoting with reference 22000578564. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.
 
Speaking earlier this week, Deputy Chief Constable Ian Critchley said: ““Any incident involving someone armed with a gun is concerning for the public and we will not stand by and let those involved in gun crime create fear in our local communities through the use of weapons and violence.
 
“But sometimes it can be easy to forget that our officers are human beings too and the actions of this person are beyond comprehension. Both of our brave officers are being fully supported following this despicable incident and I am very proud of their actions.
 
“I am outraged and know our communities will share our disappointment and sadness that officers working to the protect the public in the early hours, while most people are asleep, have been targeted in this way.
 
“Our officers turn up for work every day not knowing what dangerous and challenging incidents they will face, because they care passionately about protecting the public and keeping Merseyside safe.
 
“This incident has only served to strengthen our resolve to keep our communities and our officers safe, and we are calling on those communities to help us bring this dangerous offender to justice.”