Four teenagers shot in one Merseyside street Published duration 5 August 2012

image caption Police have stepped up patrols in the area

Four teenagers have been shot in the same incident in a single Merseyside street.

Detectives are investigating the motive for the shootings, which happened in Akenside Street, Bootle, at 23:30 BST.

Three youths aged 17 and one aged 15 were treated for injuries which police said were not thought to be life-threatening.

Police said they were "open-minded" about whether it was a targeted attack.

'Disgraceful act'

Police were initially called out to reports that a 17-year-old male had been shot. A short time later three other teenagers sought medical attention for shotgun injuries.

Ch Supt Julie Cooke, of Merseyside Police, said: "This is a disgraceful act that has led to four young men receiving medical treatment for shotgun injuries... the consequences could have been much worse.

"The force, along with the community, will not tolerate the use of guns and the fear those who use them spread."

Police believe the victims may have been to a music event at the Albert Dock in Liverpool earlier in the day and then gone on to a house party in Seaforth, north Liverpool, with a group of girls.

Police have cordoned off the area for forensic examinations and are checking CCTV as well as stepping up patrols.