Former Manchester United and Liverpool academy player Patrick Lacey is among four people to have been charged with attempted murder.
Lacey, 32, who spent much of his professional career in the lower leagues of English football, was charged after a man in his 20s was shot in the leg on November 28.
Police were called to reports of the shooting, which occurred on the driveway of an address on Radway Road in Huyton. The victim was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
Merseyside Police carried out sweeping warrants across Knowsley, Sefton and Liverpool on Thursday, with former Accrington Stanley and Barrow midfielder Lacey among those arrested.
The 32-year-old was also charged with conspiracy to murder; possession of shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, section 18 GBH, and conspiracy to cause GBH.
John Aaron Jones, 35, of Stamfordham Drive, Allerton, John George Patrick Hughes, 31, of no fixed abode, and Bernard Flynn, 61, of Knowsley Road, Bootle, have been charged with the same offences.
Patrick Lacey (pictured in 2015) is among four people charged with attempted murder
Lacey (pictured in 2016) was charged after a man in his 20s was shot in the leg in November
All four men are appearing at Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens Adult Remand Court on Friday.
Lacey, who has not played club football since 2023, also forged a career in boxing and holds a 12-1 record.
‘These coordinated warrants were carried out as part of an ongoing investigation, and all four men will appear in court today,’ Detective Inspector Chris Clark of Merseyside Police’s Firearms Investigation Team said.
‘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.’
Those who may be able to assist the investigation are urged to call 101 or contact the force on social media @MerPolCC, quoting reference 25000975453.
The anonymous charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
