We have arrested a man and recovered an imitation firearm after a man was seen running from police in Fairfield this evening (Tuesday 14 May).


The man was detained on Bigham Road just before 6pm where he was seen to drop what appeared to be a firearm.


The imitation handgun was recovered by officers and taken for forensic examination.


Bigham Road is closed while an examination of the scene continue. Officers are carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the area and collecting CCTV footage to establish the full circumstances of the incident.


A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm and possession of a Class B controlled drug (cannabis).


Detective Inspector Darren Taylor said: “We are in the very early stages of this investigation, and are piecing together what led to this incident.


“To the untrained eye, imitation firearms can look like real firearms and are capable of causing a huge amount of fear and harm, so the fact another has now been removed is to be welcomed.


“Officers on the ground acted swiftly and decisively to arrest a suspect and the imitation weapon will now be examined forensically to see who has handled it.


“Where information from the community and our own enquiries tell us firearms of any type are being stored, we will execute warrants, carry out stop checks and undertake searches in homes, industrial premises and open land across Merseyside.

“We are determined to disrupt and bring to justice the organised crime groups who possess both viable and imitation firearms and whose reckless disregard for those around them can bring violence and fear into the heart of our communities.”


If you have got any information about this incident please DM @MerPolCC quoting reference 24000438977 or call @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.