Two men arrested in Liverpool in connection with Orford shooting

Two men have been arrested in Liverpool in connection with a shooting in Warrington.

The 23-year-old and 25-year-old were arrested at around 7am on Wednesday 6 May on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.

They are both in custody being questioned by detectives.

Police are searching three addresses on Eldersfield Road, Netherfield Road South and Stonedale Crescent as part of ongoing enquiries.

The arrests follow an incident at around 8.50pm on Friday 24 April when a number of shots were fired outside an address on Poplars Avenue in Orford.

A 55-year-old man sustained serious injuries to his leg and he remains in hospital in a stable condition.

The operation this morning was led by Cheshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit and officers from Warrington Local Policing Unit with support from Merseyside Police.

Detective Inspector Ian Murray, from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “This morning’s arrests are part of a fast-moving and complex investigation targeting organised crime.

“We are continuing to work with the public and our partners to dismantle the criminal networks and turn the tide of fear within the Warrington community.”

Superintendent Martin Cleworth, who is in charge of policing in Warrington, said: “This latest development shows the ongoing commitment and dedication of officers in targeting and disrupting serious and organised crime in Warrington.

“I understand how concerned residents have been by recent incidents and I want to reassure everyone that we are maintaining a high-visibility presence across the town with patrols in key areas.

“This will include local officers and armed officers. If anyone has any issues or concerns please contact us directly or speak to a local officer.

“Remember you are our eyes and ears – and we need the support of the public in continuing to come forward with information to help tackle this issue.”

If you have any information about serious and organised crime you can contact Cheshire Police on 101 or pass it on via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/

If you do not want to speak to the police directly you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

If you have any information about the shooting in Warrington place contact Cheshire Police on 101 or pass it on through https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ quoting IML 690217.