Girl hit by car while trick or treating in Croxteth Published duration 1 November 2019

image caption The girl was hit by a VW Golf on Sceptre Road, Croxteth

A girl who was out trick or treating has been hit by a car which had been shot at on Merseyside.

The 12-year-old sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries when she was struck by a VW Golf on Sceptre Road, Croxteth, at 19:50 GMT.

A man thought to have been driving the car later arrived at hospital having been "shot in the face", Merseyside Police said.

His injury is not believed to be life threatening. No arrests have been made.

Asst Ch Con Ian Critchley said: "We are dealing today with an appalling, cowardly attack."

He said the driver of the car reversed into the girl after being shot at.

"That 12-year-old girl was out for Halloween, playing out with her friends, her family, having fun.

"She suffered significant injuries as a result of being hit by that car.

"Fortunately her friends and family courageously helped her," Mr Critchley said.

He appealed for the public's help in tracing the gunman and the gun.

image caption Asst Ch Con Ian Critchley said police were speaking to witnesses and supporting the girl's family

Referring to the shooting of Rhys Jones in Croxteth in 2007 , Mr Critchely said the area had suffered the "innocent death" of a child previously and added: "I know that the community will not tolerate it."

"This is an extremely worrying incident, where the offenders have shown no thought for the general public and has resulted in an innocent young girl, who was out enjoying herself, experiencing this traumatic ordeal," he said.

Posting on Twitter , Liverpool city region mayor Steve Rotheram said: "I am deeply to saddened to hear of this senseless crime.

"Our city region's streets should be a safe place for everybody, not least for our children on Halloween."

Labour councillor for Croxteth ward Anthony Lavelle said it was "completely unacceptable".

"It was shocking to hear the news last night and it's completely reckless what's happened on Sceptre Road," he said.

"Obviously there is a lot more young people on the streets on Halloween because of trick or treat and I'm glad no-one's lives have been lost."

Police have appealed for witnesses, including anyone with dash-cam footage, to contact them.