17-Year-Old Girl Shot in Targeted Liverpool Attack

A 17-year-old girl was shot in the legs in a targeted attack in Toxteth, Liverpool, early Thursday morning, prompting a swift response from armed officers and an ongoing police investigation.

Merseyside Police received reports of the shooting around 12:55 a.m. on March 12 and dispatched officers to Lime Grove, just off Lodge Lane. The victim, initially described as a woman in her 20s, was quickly transported to a hospital for assessment. Authorities have since confirmed her age as 17 and believe the incident involved someone known to her, though no arrests have been made and the motive remains under investigation.

Officers secured the scene and began preliminary inquiries, including door-to-door canvassing, forensic examinations, and reviews of CCTV footage. Police expect to remain in the area throughout the day to gather evidence and reassure residents. The investigation is in its early stages, with detectives focused on piecing together the sequence of events.

Detective Inspector Ainsley McAlice emphasized the urgency of public cooperation, stating, "These are the critical early stages of our investigation, and we are looking to establish exactly what happened, where it...