A 12-year-old girl who was out trick or treating on Halloween has been hit by a car after its driver was shot in the face.

The incident happened in Sceptre Road, Croxteth, at 7.50pm and saw the girl sustain serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Merseyside Police said a man thought to have been in the car later attended hospital with a non life-threatening facial injury. No arrests have been made.

Chief Inspector Mark Everard said: “This investigation is in its very early stages and enquiries are being carried out to establish exactly what has taken place.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Sceptre Road last night who saw anyone or anything suspicious or captured anything on dash-cam footage to contact us as they may be able to assist with the investigation.

“Firearms have no place on the streets of Merseyside and we are committed to finding the people responsible for using them and bringing them to justice.”