Residents in a part of Toxteth are expressing growing concern for their safety following a series of violent crimes in recent months, including two shootings, a stabbing, and a suspected arson attack. The incidents have left many in the community feeling uneasy, questioning the effectiveness of the police response and fearing for the area's hard-won progress.
The most recent event occurred on October 5, when seven gunshots were fired on Kingsley Road, with one bullet striking a family home. This followed another shooting in the same location just four months earlier, compounding the anxiety among local people who say the violence is undermining the area's positive transformation.
Key Takeaways
- A series of violent crimes, including two shootings on Kingsley Road, has heightened fear among Toxteth residents.
- Locals report feeling unsafe and are concerned about what they perceive as open drug dealing and gang activity.
- Police data shows a 74% decrease in firearm discharges across Merseyside since 2012, but residents feel the recent local spike is not being adequately addressed.
- Community members and officials are calling for more consistent policing and greater opportunities for young people to steer them away from crime.
A Community on Edge
The sense of security for many in this part of Liverpool 8 was shattered just after midnight on Sunday, October 5. Residents on Kingsley Road and surrounding streets were woken by the sound of gunfire. According to reports, a person in a car fired approximately seven shots while chasing a man on foot.
One of those bullets penetrated the window of a family's home on Kingsley Road. While no one was physically harmed in the incident, the emotional impact has been significant. Locals believe the house was an unintended target, caught in the crossfire of what appears to be escalating gang-related violence.
A Pattern of Violence
This shooting was not an isolated event. It occurred in almost the exact same location as a similar incident just four months prior. In that event, residents reported hearing nine gunshots, which resulted in damage to a vehicle. The repetition of such serious violence in one specific area has deeply unsettled the community.
Timeline of Recent Incidents
- October 5: A shooting on Kingsley Road where a car occupant fired seven shots, one hitting a house.
- July: A suspected arson attack on Carlingford Close where a house was deliberately set on fire.
- June (approx.): A shooting on Kingsley Road where nine shots were fired, damaging a vehicle.
- March: A mass brawl on Granby Street resulted in a man being stabbed in the chest.
Beyond the shootings, other serious crimes have contributed to the atmosphere of fear. In March, a large fight at the junction of Granby Street and Eversley Street ended with a man suffering a stab wound to his chest. In July, a suspected arson attack saw a major fire on Carlingford Close after petrol was deliberately poured on a home and ignited, with the flames spreading to a neighbouring property.
Voices from the Community
Long-term residents who have witnessed Toxteth's significant regeneration over the decades are now worried this progress is being undone. Ed Gommon, who has lived in the Kingsley Road area for 14 years, described the current situation as the worst he has seen.
"I think it is outrageous that people are running around this area with guns shooting each other. Someone is going to get killed," Mr. Gommon stated. "These people obviously don't care about this area at all or they wouldn't be shooting randomly at people's houses."
He noted a visible increase in groups of young men on street corners, suspecting open drug dealing. "It definitely looks to me as though they are selling drugs relatively openly," he added, expressing frustration over what he feels is a lack of community leadership and a temporary police presence.
Fears for Family and Safety
Michelle Bennett, a lifelong resident, now feels a sense of dread she never experienced before. "I have always felt safe living here and now it is kind of worrying if you go out at night," she explained. The violence has prompted her to take extra security measures.
"I have had cameras installed on my house now," Ms. Bennett said, a decision she made after the large brawl and stabbing occurred directly outside her home in March. She is now too worried to allow her 15-year-old son out in the evenings. "He is just that age where he could get dragged into something," she said, voicing a common fear among parents in the area.
Ms. Bennett believes the perpetrators are local but show no regard for their own community. "They don't care about the area, they don't care about their families - they don't care about anything," she concluded.
Root Causes and Official Responses
Younger residents see a clear link between the rise in violence and a decline in positive opportunities. Abdi Ahmed, 22, points to the closure of local facilities as a key factor.
"Growing up I have seen a lot of closures of youth clubs, libraries and sports facilities," Mr. Ahmed said. "It just leads to young people who are disengaged and can maybe be manipulated. It is common for young kids to get involved with gangs when there are no opportunities."
He added that his mother, who lived through the social unrest of the 1980s, is now deeply worried about the current problems facing the community.
Merseyside Police Acknowledge Concerns
Merseyside Police have responded to the community's concerns. Liverpool Local Policing Superintendent Charlotte Irlam acknowledged the fear caused by firearms incidents but highlighted a significant long-term reduction in such crimes.
Firearm Discharges in Merseyside
According to Superintendent Irlam, there has been a 74% decrease in firearm discharges since 2012. The figures show a drop from 125 incidents in 2012 to just 33 last year. So far this year, 16 have been recorded.
"We recognise the concern caused whenever a firearm is used in our community, but let me take this opportunity to reassure local residents that we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved in serious organised crime," Superintendent Irlam said. She emphasized that prominent criminal groups from Toxteth have been dismantled in recent years through targeted operations.
She also stressed the importance of youth engagement, stating, "We recognise that if we want to continue making a big difference... we need to be part of a solution that includes young people."
Political Commitment to Action
Kim Johnson, the MP whose constituency includes Toxteth, described the latest shooting as "deeply worrying" and affirmed that it was not an isolated incident. She praised the resilience of the Toxteth community and promised to take action.
"I’ll be working closely with Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council, and local community groups to make sure all residents feel supported and that those responsible are held to account," Ms. Johnson stated. "Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and on their street."
Despite these assurances, residents like Ed Gommon remain skeptical, questioning if enough is being done. "Is there anywhere else in Merseyside where there has been two shootings on the exact same spot in a matter of months?" he asked. "What is the response?" The community is now waiting to see if promises of support will translate into a lasting sense of safety on their streets.