Driver's shooting 'not random'

The 35-year-old man, named locally as Derek Stevens, was fatally shot in his gold Land Rover on Mackets Lane, Halewood, Liverpool.

Police were called to the scene because the Land Rover had crashed head-on into a silver Ford Focus.

The discovery of the man - who police believe was shot in the head through the windscreen as he was driving - turned the investigation into a murder inquiry.

Knowsley Area Commander, Chief Superintendent John Young, spoke to reporters at the scene. "We believe that we know his identity. We don't think it's a random shooting," he said. "We don't want people thinking if they drive down Mackets Lane this will happen to them.

The shooting occurred outside a parade of shops, including a dental centre, a tanning shop, and a taxi firm.

The victim died shortly after paramedics arrived. He has not been yet formally identified and a post-mortem examination is yet to take place.

The 36-year-old male driver of the Focus - believed to be a taxi driver - suffered whiplash and minor injuries and was treated by ambulance staff at the scene.

Mr Young admitted the police had no leads about the gunman. Appealing for witnesses to come forward, he said: "There are people who may not realise what they have seen. They may well have seen things that they may not realise the importance of."

An onlooker and local resident denied there was a major crime problem in the area. He said: "I wouldn't live here if there was."