A man is in a serious condition in hospital after being shot several times while sitting in a car.

The 32-year-old, who has not been named, was shot outside the Newsham pub in Lower Breck Road, Tuebrook, just after 2200BST on Saturday.

He was treated by paramedics at the scene of the shooting before being taken to a hospital in the city, where his condition is described as serious.

Merseyside Police believe the man may have known his attacker and are appealing for witnesses who saw the incident to come forward.

Superintendent Sue Sim said: "At the moment we are trying to establish the exact details of this incident.

'Targeted attack'

"We believe at this very early stage that the victim was known to his attacker and is a contained incident in which nobody else was injured or involved.

"It would appear that the victim was in a black Vauxhall Vectra at the time of the shooting.

"We believe the offender may have been driving a blue Ford Mondeo which we have since found partially burnt out nearby. Forensic experts will be searching the scene and the car for evidence.

"We would urge any witnesses to come forward to help us piece together the events leading up to the shooting whilst reassuring local communities that we believe this was a targeted attack which is being thoroughly investigated."

Anyone with information can call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 4350.