SPECIALIST search trained officers are carrying out open land searches in Hale Park today, Merseyside Police has confirmed.

Local Policing Officers have been joined by Matrix officers in this latest crackdown on firearms.

While the search is ongoing, local residents are being spoken to by police community support officers who reassured the community and requested intelligence about firearms.

Inspector Andy Wignall said: "Today's operation is another example of our commitment to reducing gun crime on Merseyside.

"We are conducting open land searches in Hale Park and we will continue to carry out searches such as this to make our streets safer.

“Information from our communities is vital. If anyone has any information about guns, or where they are being stored, I would urge them to contact us so that we can make our streets safer.

"We understand that people can be fearful of coming forward, but if you do not want to speak directly to police, please use the independent charity Crimestoppers, which is free and completely anonymous. You can make a real difference to your communities by telling us what you know, and we promise to act on all information provided."

Anyone with information is urged to contact the gun crime hotline on 0800 230 0600 or leave information anonymously and for free with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively people can leave information online anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online.