Liverpool shooting suspect was 'security guard' at cinema where he 'opened fire'
The man arrested over the Liverpool shooting reportedly used to work at the cinema where he opened fire.
Leslie Garrett remains in custody after the shooting on Wednesday night, where a gunman was filming barging into an off-licence wielding a firearm. The man then allegedly opened fire at crowds in the nearby Showcase cinema. There were no reported injuries.
Merseyside Police subsequently arrested 49-year-old Mr Garrett, taking him in for questioning. CCTV later released by the force showed the gunman in a green jacket and flip flops in the Sangha newsagents moments before the cinema shooting.
The chilling footage shows him point what appears to be a rifle at a member of staff inside the shop, before turning it to one side and firing a shot, then leaving. The gunman then travelled to the cinema about a mile and a half from the off-licence, entering the foyer at around 8.50pm before pointing the gun at staff and firing shots.
The incident reportedly left one cinema worker so terrified they've been unable to speak. Armed officers were seen outside the multiplex as police rushed to reports of a shooting, with the building put into lockdown. Another shooting was reported in a third location in Liverpool. Mr Garrett was arrested at 4.46am following a warrant at an address in the city.
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Mr Garrett is understood to have previously worked at the cinema as a security guardA source told Mail Online that Garrett had been living opposite the Sangha off-licence, recently moving back in with his parents after splitting up with his partner. They claim he had been working for a security firm and had previously been employed at the Showcase Cinema where he opened fire, although this has not been confirmed by Showcase nor the police.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenn Wilson, of Merseyside Police, said: "I can report that a 49-year-old man has been arrested following three firearms discharges in the Croxteth and Norris Green areas last night. Thankfully incidents like this, involving a single offender in three separate shootings in close proximity and quick succession, are extremely rare and this is the first time we have had to deal with an incident of this nature on the streets of Merseyside.
"The shocking and distressing impact these incidents will have had on the shop assistant, the staff at the Showcase Cinema and those filmgoers who found themselves in a lockdown situation in the complex after shots were fired outside the cinema and the residents of Malpas Road cannot be underestimated.
"Officers were on the ground immediately following the first incident and were able to respond swiftly to the subsequent discharges, and a male was identified. located and arrested on suspicion of all three discharges within 13 hours. High visibility patrols will remain in the area to reassure members of the local community.
"Those affected by the incidents can get help from Victim Care Merseyside, who have trained staff who act as a single point of contact for all victims and survivors, offering access to free, confidential advice and support. This includes access to a range of specialist support services delivered by 10 independent local organisations providing bespoke, dedicated care to victims of crime. You can get further information from www.victimcaremerseyside.org
"Firearms have no place on our streets and we are committed to arresting those involved in gun crime and taking firearms off our streets. I would appeal to anyone who has information about those involved in gun crime, or who knows were weapons are being stored to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 so we can further reduce the harm caused by these weapons in our communities. If you saw what happened or have any mobile or CCTV footage of the incidents please contact us as a matter of urgency as you may have information which is vital to our investigation. Any information provided will be acted upon.
"Information from our community is vital if we are to stop people carrying out such attacks in Merseyside that causes such violence on our streets." Anyone with footage or information is asked to DM @MerPol or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 928 of Wednesday 3 January.
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