Former footballer charged with attempted murder

A former Accrington Stanley footballer is among four people charged with attempted murder after a man was shot on a driveway in Merseyside.

Patrick Lacey, 32, of Manor Avenue, Crosby, was charged after a man in his 20s was left in a critical condition following the incident on Radway Road, Huyton, in November.

John Jones, 35, of Stamfordham Drive, Allerton; John Hughes, 31, of no fixed abode and Bernard Flynn, 61, of Knowsley Road, Bootle, have also been charged, Merseyside Police said.

All four are due to appear at Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens Adult Remand Court later.

They are also charged with conspiracy to murder, possession of a shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, section 18 grievous bodily harm and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.

Lacey began his career at Tranmere Rovers before joining academies at Manchester United and Liverpool.

He later played as a midfielder for Accrington Stanley and Flint Town United, and has also competed in boxing.

The charges relate to the shooting in which a man was seriously injured in the leg, at about 22:20 GMT on Friday 28 November.

Police said a number of warrants were carried out across Knowsley, Sefton and Liverpool on Thursday, and four people were arrested and later charged.

Det Insp Chris Clark from the firearms investigation team said: "These coordinated warrants were carried out as part of an ongoing investigation, and all four men will appear in court today.

"Our work continues, so I would ask that people who have yet to come forward still do so.

"Please do not assume that we already hold information. Our team will make that assessment, and will take the appropriate action.

"Whether you have a first-hand account, dashcam, CCTV, doorbell or other footage, come forward."

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