Ex-Footballer Paddy Lacey Charged in Huyton Shooting 2026

Key Points

• A man in his 20s was shot twice in the leg on the driveway of a home on Radway Road, Huyton, Liverpool, around 10:20 pm on November 28, 2025.
• The victim remains in serious condition in hospital; his name has not been released.
• Attack carried out by two men on a Sur-ron electric bike.
• Four men charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, possession of a shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, section 18 grievous bodily harm (GBH), and conspiracy to cause GBH.
• Charged individuals: Patrick Sean Lacey, 32, of Manor Avenue, Crosby (former footballer and boxer); John Aaron Jones, 35, of Stamfordham Drive, Allerton; John George Patrick Hughes, 31, of no fixed abode; Bernard Flynn, 61, of Knowsley Road, Bootle.
• Arrests followed coordinated warrants across Knowsley, Sefton, and Liverpool areas on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
• Accused appeared at Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens Adult Remand Court on Friday, February 20, 2026.
• Patrick Sean Lacey (also known as Paddy Lacey) played youth football for Tranmere Rovers, Manchester United, and Liverpool academies; senior clubs include Altrincham, Barrow, Chester, Accrington Stanley, Southport, and Flint Town United in Cymru Premier.
• Lacey’s brothers: Shea (rising star at Manchester United), Luis (plays for Macclesfield).
• Lacey’s boxing career: Undefeated in first 10 bouts (per Liverpool Echo and Express); notable knockout win against Owen Kirk in October 2023; lost on points to Jack Swallow at M&S Bank Arena on February 7, 2026 (record listed as 10-1 or 12-1 by some outlets).
• Merseyside Police urge witnesses to come forward with information, dashcam, CCTV, doorbell footage, etc., referencing case number 25000975453.
• Contact options: Call 101, message @MerPolCC on social media, Merseyside Police website, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
• Detective Inspector Chris Clark leads investigation; emphasises ongoing enquiries.

Huyton (Liverpool Standard) February 21, 2026 – The quiet streets of Huyton in Liverpool were shattered late on November 28, 2025, when a man in his 20s was shot twice in the leg on a driveway in Radway Road, prompting a major Merseyside Police investigation that has now resulted in attempted murder charges against four men, including former footballer and boxer Patrick Sean Lacey.

Who Was Shot and What Happened in the Huyton Attack?

The victim, a man in his 20s whose identity has not been disclosed, suffered critical injuries after being shot twice in the leg around 10:20 pm on November 28, 2025.

As detailed in initial reports from the Liverpool Echo, the brazen assault occurred on the driveway of a home on Radway Road, a residential area in Huyton, Knowsley. Two assailants on a Sur-ron electric bike carried out the attack, firing shots before fleeing the scene. The victim was rushed to hospital, where he remains in serious condition, according to updates from Merseyside Police cited across regional outlets including North Wales Live and LancsLive.

This incident has highlighted concerns over gun violence in Merseyside, with the use of a Sur-ron electric bike—a vehicle increasingly linked to targeted crimes in urban areas—drawing particular attention from authorities. Police briefings, as referenced in Liverpool Echo coverage, note that such bikes enable rapid getaways in residential zones.

Who Are the Four Men Charged with Attempted Murder?

Four men now face a raft of serious charges following an intensive police operation. Patrick Sean Lacey, 32, of Manor Avenue, Crosby, a former professional footballer and boxer, is among those charged.

The others are 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.

All four have been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, possession of a shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, section 18 grievous bodily harm (GBH), and conspiracy to cause GBH. This was confirmed in court appearances reported by Liverpool Echo journalists.

The arrests stemmed from coordinated warrants executed across Knowsley, Sefton, and Liverpool on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The men appeared at Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens Adult Remand Court on Friday, February 20, 2026, in a session packed with local press and public observers, as noted in LancsLive dispatches.

What Is Patrick Sean Lacey’s Footballing Background?

Patrick Sean Lacey, often referred to as Paddy Lacey, boasts a notable history in football.

He progressed through the youth academies of Tranmere Rovers, Manchester United, and Liverpool, according to profiles in North Wales Live and LancsLive. His senior career took him to non-league clubs including Altrincham, Barrow, Chester, Accrington Stanley, Southport, and most recently Flint Town United in the Cymru Premier.

Lacey’s family is prominent in football. His younger brother, Shea Lacey, is a rising star in Manchester United’s academy, while another brother, Luis Lacey, plays for Macclesfield. As reported by Liverpool Echo, the family’s sporting pedigree had previously garnered positive attention, now overshadowed by these charges.

Did Patrick Lacey Have a Successful Boxing Career?

Lacey transitioned into professional boxing, achieving an undefeated record in his first 10 bouts. Liverpool Echo and Express outlets highlight his knockout victory over Owen Kirk in October 2023 as a standout moment. However, his streak ended earlier this month with a points loss to Jack Swallow at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on February 7, 2026.

Reports vary slightly on his final tally: LancsLive lists it as 10-0 prior to the defeat, while Express cites 10-1 or even 12-1, reflecting his active schedule over the past year. Lacey’s dual-sport journey—from academy prospect to boxer—had been viewed as a tale of resilience until these allegations emerged.

How Did Police Respond to the Shooting?

Merseyside Police launched a major investigation immediately after the November 28 attack. The operation culminated in the February 19 warrants, described as a significant coordinated effort. Detective Inspector Chris Clark, from the Firearms Investigation Team, provided key updates.

As quoted by (Liverpool Echo) reporter Eleanor Barlow, Detective Inspector Clark stated:

“These coordinated warrants were carried out as part of an ongoing investigation, and all four men will appear in court today.”

He added, per the same Liverpool Echo piece and echoed in North Wales Live:

“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.”

What Information Are Police Seeking from the Public?

Authorities are appealing for any details, no matter how small, referencing case number 25000975453. Contact methods include calling 101, messaging @MerPolCC on social media, the Merseyside Police website, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. This call was reiterated across Liverpool Echo, LancsLive, and North Wales Live reports.

The investigation’s ongoing nature underscores the need for public cooperation, with Detective Inspector Clark emphasising in Liverpool Echo coverage that even minor footage could prove pivotal.

Why Has This Case Attracted National Attention?

The charges against Patrick Lacey have thrust the story into the national spotlight due to his sporting profile. From promising footballer to undefeated boxer, Lacey’s career reinvention captivated fans. His recent defeat to Jack Swallow drew crowds at the M&S Bank Arena, as covered by Express boxing correspondent.

Now, the narrative has pivoted to crime and justice. The incident shocks Huyton’s community, still reeling from the late-night violence on Radway Road. For the victim and his family, the road to recovery continues amid serious injuries.

What Do We Know About the Other Accused?

Less is publicly known about co-accused John Aaron Jones, John George Patrick Hughes, and Bernard Flynn, who face identical charges. Jones resides in Allerton, Hughes has no fixed abode, and Flynn lives in Bootle. Liverpool Echo court reports note their appearance alongside Lacey, with no prior public profiles highlighted in media.

How Does This Fit into Merseyside’s Gun Crime Issues?

Merseyside has grappled with gun violence for years, and this shooting—using a shotgun in a residential driveway—exemplifies ongoing challenges. The Sur-ron bike’s role aligns with trends in police briefings, as noted in LancsLive analysis.

What Happens Next in the Legal Proceedings?

The case will progress through Liverpool courts over coming months. All four men are remanded following their February 20 appearance. Merseyside Police vow to pursue all leads, with the community’s role crucial.

This unfolding saga intersects sport, crime, and safety in Merseyside. As North Wales Live journalist Joe Thomas reported, the outcome will ripple through local and sporting circles. For now, justice hinges on witnesses stepping forward—proving that small details can alter trajectories.