Liverpool drug gangs war behind shootings as Merseyside Police warn children are in firing line

Top detectives described the current war between rival mobs as at “fever pitch”. And they gave a grave warning that innocent victims – and possibly children – would be killed if the reckless gun blasts continued. Speaking to the ECHO, Chief Superintendent Tony Doherty, head of the specialist Matrix squad, said: “Nobody wants to return to 2007 and the tragic loss suffered by Rhys Jones’ family. “We’re all too aware of the ignominy the city suffered, but police can’t combat this on our own.” Read More: Anti-gang police plan new tactics to catch gun thugs The warning came as police investigate the gang shooting of a 15-year-old boy in Chinatown over the weekend. Just hours later, a man, 21, was blasted in the back while running away from rivals in Stockbridge Village.