POLICE say they will be stepping up high-visibility patrols around Croft following last Thursday night's shooting.

A 16-year-old boy, who was in the passenger seat of a silver Ford Mondeo, was shot after a light blue car pulled up next to him.

A passenger who was in the back seat of the blue car got out of the vehicle and walked towards the Ford Mondeo.

The man then threatened the boy, demanding that he got out of the car, before shooting him in the left calf.

Runcorn officers say they are increasing patrols in the area in order "to provide residents with reassurance".

Police confirmed that Philip Horan, 27, Wayne Griffiths, 28 and Sean Davies, 30, have all been charged with section 18 wounding with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Davies has also been charged with possession with intent to supply class B drugs.

Griffiths has appeared before Warrington Magistrates' Court today and has been remanded to Chester Crown Court for trial on January 5.

Prosecuting Rob Youds said the 16-year-old victim had suffered ‘life changing injuries’.

Horan and Davies were also remanded in custody late this afternoon to go on trial in Chester.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 953 of 30/11/2017.

Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.