A community was left in shock after a man was found shot dead close to a primary school.
Emergency serviceswere called to Mab Lane inWest Derby, at around 2. 30 PM on Tuesday, toreports that a man had suffered a gunshot wound.
Paramedics and police officers arrived at the scene a short time later but the man was found dead in Mab Lane Community Woodland.
Merseyside Policeconfirmed that a gun was also found at the scene and that the death is currently being treated as unexplained.
After a cordon was put in place, many people in the area told theECHOhow shocking the incident was.
One woman said: “My neighbor told me what happened and I told her she shouldn’t listen to rumors and we should wait and see what was said when it was confirmed .
“Even when I read it, I couldn’t believe it.
” It is so busy around here at that time with kids and parents, it has left me absolutely gobsmacked. So sad. ”
Another mum also said:” It’s just sad and terribly desperate. It’s mostly families with young kids around here so people will be very shocked by this. ”
At the time of the incident, after advice fromMerseyside Police, Mab Lane Primary School was advised to put their pupils into lockdown for a short time.
A message was sent to parents, just minutes before the children were due to be released from the school.
It said: “School is in lock down on police advice. All children are safe inside, children are not at risk.
” We will update you when we can. “
The pupils were then allowed to leave the school at around 3. 45 pm after the school told parents: “School will be out of lock down in 5 minutes time.
“Please do not exit school from the entrance near to the maddy.
” Please walk around. Thank you. “
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this article or need to talk someone, theNHS Choiceswebsite lists the following helplines and support networks:
Samaritansoperates a 24 – hour service on available every day of the year by calling 116 123, and an email service is available at [email protected].
Childline, on 0800 1111, runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number do not show up in the phone bill.
PAPYRUS, 0800 068 4141, is an organization supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Depression Allianceis a charity for people with depression. It does not have a helpline, but offers resources and links to other relevant information.
Students Against Depressionis a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
Bullying UKis a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
A man who lives close to the scene said: “All the police started pulling up and an ambulance so people started walking down to see what was going on.
“The officers were telling people to step back and moved everyone out of the way to put the cordon up.”
Headteacher of Mab Lane Primary, Laura Morgan, said: “Pupils were held back from leaving school following an incident nearby.
” All pupils were accounted for and they did not witness what happened. Parents arriving to pick up their children were kept fully informed and the school was reopened at 3. 45 PM.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the person who has passed away, and we will be providing appropriate support to pupils who need it.”
A spokesperson forMerseyside Policesaid: “Merseyside Police can confirm that officers are investigating an unexplained death in West Derby this afternoon.
“Officers were called to park land off Mab Lane at around 2. 30 pm this afternoon (Tuesday, 24 September) following reports that a man had suffered a gunshot wound.
“Police and the North West Ambulance Service attended the scene where a man was found to be unresponsive and he was pronounced dead by paramedics.
“A firearm has been recovered from the scene and is being forensically examined.”
Detective Chief Inspector Robbie Moss said: “I can confirm that detectives are currently investigating the unexplained death of a 32 year-old man from West Derby this afternoon.
“The investigation is in its early stages and detectives are working to establish whether the death is suspicious or not.
“Specialist family liaison officers will be supporting the family who have been informed.
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“I would appeal to anyone who saw, or heard, anything to please contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC.
You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 490 of 24 September or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at :https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-i nformation / give-information.
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