Police in Liverpool believe the shooting of five people in a Toxteth pub could have been started by a dispute between two men.

The attack happened at the Alexandra Hotel on Upper Hill Street shortly before 0400GMT on Sunday when 40 people were in the bar.

The victims' injuries are not though to be life-threatening and they will be interviewed by police on Monday evening.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Cooper of Merseyside Police said he did not believe the victims were deliberately shot by the gunman, who may have known who he was after.

Leg injuries

The gunman burst into the pub and fired six shots into the crowded bar.

Mr Cooper said: "It is possible there was a falling-out between the shooter and one of the people who ended up in hospital.

"But we don't know for sure if he was aiming at one of the people who were injured.

"We will be speaking to the five injured people in some depth to find out more about the incident."

Three women and two men, aged 35 and 41, injured were taken by car and ambulance to an unnamed Liverpool hospital where three were detained.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said the wounded sustained injuries "mainly to legs or the lower body".

One person was hit in the arm but none of the injuries were life-threatening.

House-to-house inquiries and scenes of crime officers scoured the area for evidence.

The spokesman added: "The force is currently pursuing positive lines of inquiry with regard to those responsible for the attack.

"Officers believe the incident is contained to a discrete group of people. It is not thought to be connected to any other recent incidents."