At around 6.35pm, we received a report from North West Ambulance Service that a 36-year-old man had been shot on Quarryside Drive.

Officers attended and the victim was taken to hospital by paramedics where he was sadly pronounced dead a short time later. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist family liaison officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cummings, the Senior Investigating Officer, said:  This investigation is in its very early stages and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to find anyone who may have involved. The arrest of this man is just one part of this process and the extent of his involvement will form part of our enquiries.

It remains absolutely vital that we hear from anyone who saw this incident, or has since heard anything about what happened. If you were in the area at around 6.35pm and witnessed the incident contact us now. If you live in the area, please check your CCTV, dashcam devices or doorbell footage urgently and pass on anything which may assist, however small a detail.

Our thoughts and condolences remain with the man’s family, who will now be supported by specialist officers as the investigation progresses.

The Kirkby community will see a lot of activity in the area today and I want to encourage people to speak to our officers. We understand that people have concerns speaking to police, but we will deal with information sensitively and put necessary measures in place to support those who help, as well as providing highly visible policing in the aftermath of this incident.

Gun crime causes devastation, as last night’s tragic events sadly show. We will do all we can to bring those responsible to justice, and remove weapons from those communities who suffer from the great harm that organised crime brings.