Arrest after man shot in neck in village shooting

A man has been shot in the neck with an air rifle in a shooting in a Merseyside village.

The victim, in his 40s, was taken to hospital in a stable condition after the incident in the Waddicar Lane area of Melling at just before 11:15 BST, police said.

A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of wounding and possession of a firearm.

Footage shared on Facebook showed a large emergency response including an air ambulance and armed police.

Chief Inspector Dave Uren, of Merseyside Police, said: "The investigation is in the very early stages as we speak to witnesses and establish what has taken place."

He continued: "A man has been taken to hospital and we have made an arrest but we would urgently appeal for anyone who was in the area this morning who heard or saw anything suspicious to contact us."

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