Merseyside Police have increased patrols in Kirkby after reports of people carrying knives near local schools and following publicity around a reward to help with cold‑case enquiries. The extra patrols are intended to reassure parents and residents after several recent incidents, including a stabbing on Whitefield Drive earlier this month.
Detectives say a reward has been re‑publicised to encourage information in cold‑case investigations. Local reporting on 24 January noted a £20,000 Crimestoppers reward connected to a separate historic case (Diane Sindall); it has not been confirmed in public reporting that the same figure applies to the review of the 2024 shooting on Quarryside Drive. Merseyside Police say they believe members of the local community may hold information that could help progress enquiries into the Quarryside Drive shooting.
The force has made arrests after reports of men carrying knives near schools. That activity prompted increased patrols in the Westvale and Tower Hill areas to provide a visible presence and help keep children and families safe during the morning and afternoon school runs.
Investigators are also examining a series of vehicle fires and the discovery of a rifle in a public skip in Kirkby. There is an ongoing appeal for information following a house fire in the town earlier this month.
Local officers have urged residents not to spread rumours on social media and instead to pass information to police or provide formal statements. Police say even small details can help build a picture of who is causing harm in the community.
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