A SKORPION machine gun, linked to two shootings in Merseyside, has been seized as part of an ongoing operation.
In March this year, the weapon was seized and led to an offender being sentence dto five and half years for possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a firearm without a certificate and possession of controlled Class B drugs (cannabis) with intent to supply.
Skorpion weapons were used in three murders in Merseyside last year, including the shooting of 26-year-old beautician Elle Edwards, who was hit when gunman Connor Chapman opened fire outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village on Christmas Eve.
The firearms, which are Czech-designed, are capable of firing 800 rounds a minute.
Following forensic examinations, Merseyside Police confirmed that the firearm has been linked to two shootings that occurred in late April to early May 2022.
The first occurred on April 26 when a woman aged in her 50s was shot in the leg inside a home on Deverell Grove, in Wavertree.
The second shooting occurred on May 2 when shots were fired at a house on The Beechwalk, in Stoneycroft.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Ball said: “As part of an ongoing investigation into the use of this firearm, we are now in a position to confirm that we believe the weapon is linked to two shootings in Merseyside.
“One of these incidents involved a woman who was shot in the leg in an appalling act of violence in Wavertree.
“The other was when a house was shot at in Stoneycroft. This was extremely reckless and could have caused serious or fatal injuries.
“Investigations into both of these incidents remain ongoing and if you have any information, please get in touch.
“Last year, we saw the loss of three lives – Ashley Dale, Sam Rimmer and Elle Edwards – who were all killed through the use of a Skorpion firearm.
“With the case of Sam, the investigation is ongoing and we are still appealing for anyone with information to come forward so we can catch his killer.
“Last year, there were 49 firearm discharges in Merseyside and so far in 2023 there have only been 14, which is a 64% decrease.
“Information from the public is vital if we are to continue to breakdown the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.”
Anyone who has information about firearms or drug dealing in their community, can DM @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101.