Girl narrowly escapes injury as gunman fires at home on quiet street in broad daylight attack

A peaceful afternoon in Bootle quickly turned to chaos when a young girl’s innocent playtime in her front garden was interrupted by the sound of gunfire. This terrifying moment occurred on William Henry Street, where an armed attacker opened fire on a terraced house, leaving the community shaken and calling for justice. The incident has since been referred to as the Bootle Child Shooting 2025, sparking widespread concern.

The child, unaware of the impending danger, was playing in her garden when a man clad in a camouflage jacket fired multiple rounds at a nearby home. Though no one was physically harmed, the house sustained clear damage, and neighbours were left reeling from the ordeal.

Merseyside Police swiftly responded to the incident, closing off the road and beginning a forensic investigation at the scene. Officers confirmed the shooting was a targeted attack, but have yet to reveal the motive or identify the intended victim. The suspect, described as a bearded man dressed in camouflage, fled before police arrived.

Witnesses described hearing the unmistakable sound of gunshots echoing down the quiet street. “I heard a loud bang, then another. My heart stopped when I realised the little girl was outside. It’s a miracle no one was hurt,” said one resident, still visibly shaken by the events.

The girl’s proximity to the shooting has sent shockwaves through the local community, reigniting fears about public safety and gun crime in Merseyside. While Bootle has seen its share of crime in the past, this brazen attack carried out in broad daylight with children nearby, marks a new level of recklessness.

Police have launched a full investigation, appealing for anyone with information or CCTV footage to come forward. The street remains under tight surveillance as officers work to piece together the sequence of events and track down the gunman.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Atkinson of Merseyside Police said, “This was a deeply concerning incident. We understand the fear this will cause residents and we are doing everything in our power to find those responsible. We believe this was a targeted attack, but any discharge of a firearm in a residential area is incredibly dangerous and reckless.”

The shooting is part of a wider pattern of concern across Liverpool, where recent months have seen an uptick in gun-related incidents. Community leaders are now calling for a robust and visible police presence, especially in residential areas where children live and play.

Parents in the area have expressed outrage and fear, with many now reluctant to let their children play outside. One local mother said, “We’ve always felt safe here. That’s been shattered now. My kids are frightened — and so am I.”

Campaigners against gun crime are using the incident to push for tougher sentencing, increased neighbourhood patrols, and better community outreach to deter young people from gang activity and firearm possession.

Despite the trauma, residents have shown resilience, with neighbours rallying together to support one another. Many are determined not to let fear take over their streets but admit it will take time to restore the sense of safety that once defined the area.

As the investigation continues, Bootle waits anxiously for justice. Meanwhile, the image of a little girl’s play interrupted by gunfire remains a haunting symbol of the violence that can erupt without warning — even in the most unsuspecting corners of Britain.