Armed police descend on Showcase cinema in Liverpool after staff had ‘gun pointed at them’

Emergency services are in attendance outside a Liverpool cinema amid a major police incident.

Merseyside Police posted an appeal just before 9.09pm for people to stay away from the Showcase cinema, on East Lancs Road, due to an ongoing incident.

Liverpool Echo has said that there are reports of shots being fired.

A spokesperson from Merseyside Police said: “Due to an ongoing Police incident at the Showcase Cinema on East Lancs Road, please remain away from the area at this time. Thank you.”

There are reports that detectives are at the scene.

A spokesperson from Showcase Cinemas said: “We are aware of an incident at our cinema and the surrounding area in Liverpool.

“The safety and welfare of our staff and customers is always our number one priority and we can confirm that no one was injured.

“We would like to thank our team members and the local police for their swift responses to this active investigation.”

According to local reports, a cinema-goer who attended a film screening with his daughter, 14, was told by a staff member that a man “aimed at her [the staff] with a shotgun”.

Reports continue to say that traffic is moving again after it was stopped in both directions on East Lancashire Road.

Detectives and forensic investigators remain on the scene and have placed evidence markers next to the side door of the cinema.

A police helicopter was also circling overhead while investigators examined the scene.

Footage from the scene shows a number of police vehicles attending the scene.

It also shows a number of officers, some armed. at the edge of the police cordon.

Police have yet to confirm whether shots were fired by the alleged gunman.

Merseyside police have been approached for comment.