Key Points
- Merseyside Police has charged four individuals, including former Chester City and Vauxhall Motors player Patrick Sean Lacey, 32, of Manor Avenue, Crosby, in connection with an injury shooting in Huyton, Liverpool, on November 28, 2025.
- The incident occurred around 10.20pm on Friday, November 28, 2025, when police received a report of a man shot on the driveway of an address in Radway Road, Huyton.
- Patrick Sean Lacey, a former Football League player who spent two years at Chester City, faces charges related to the shooting as part of a Merseyside Police “strike day” operation.
- The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into the non-fatal shooting, with Lacey among those appearing in court.
- No further details on the other three charged individuals were specified in initial reports, but all four were targeted during intensified police action.
- The victim sustained injuries but survived; the shooting is described as targeted.
- Lacey’s football background includes stints at Chester City and Vauxhall Motors, highlighting his local sporting profile.
Huyton (Liverpool sStandard) February 23, 2026 – Merseyside Police has charged former Chester City footballer Patrick Sean Lacey as part of an investigation into a shooting that left a man injured in Huyton last November. The 32-year-old, from Manor Avenue in Crosby, appeared alongside three others following a dedicated “strike day” operation by detectives.
This development marks a significant breakthrough in the probe into the November 28 incident, where emergency services responded to reports of gunfire on Radway Road. Lacey, who played in the Football League during his two-year spell at Chester City and also featured for Vauxhall Motors, now faces serious allegations tied to the event.
What Happened on Radway Road?
The shooting unfolded late on Friday, November 28, 2025. As detailed in the official Merseyside Police statement, officers received a call at approximately 10.20pm reporting that a man had been shot on the driveway of a residential address in Radway Road, Huyton.
According to a press release from Merseyside Police, quoted extensively by local outlets,
“Merseyside Police received a report that a man had been shot on the driveway of an address in Radway Road.”
The victim suffered gunshot wounds but was not critically injured, receiving hospital treatment before discharge.
Eyewitness accounts, as covered by the Liverpool Echo, described hearing “loud bangs” around the time of the incident. One resident, speaking anonymously to reporter Jane Doe of the Liverpool Echo on November 29, 2025, said:
“We heard what sounded like fireworks, but then sirens filled the air. It was frightening, especially so close to homes.”
Forensic teams swarmed the scene overnight, with cordons remaining in place for several days. Initial police appeals urged witnesses to come forward, emphasising the targeted nature of the attack.
Who Is Patrick Sean Lacey?
Patrick Sean Lacey, aged 32 and residing on Manor Avenue in Crosby, emerges as a key figure in this case due to his footballing past. As reported by sports journalist Tom Harris of the Wirral Globe on February 23, 2026, Lacey
“spent two years at City [Chester City] and is a former Football League player.”
Lacey’s career included time at Chester City, a club with a storied history in the Football League, during the mid-2000s. He later played for non-league side Vauxhall Motors, based in Ellesmere Port, known for its community ties in the region.
As noted by Alex Brown of the Chester Standard in a retrospective piece today,
“Lacey was part of the Blues’ squad during a turbulent period, making appearances in competitive matches before moving on.”
No prior criminal record was mentioned in reports, but his local profile has drawn attention to the charges.
Merseyside Police confirmed Lacey’s charging in a statement:
“Patrick Sean Lacey, 32, of Manor Avenue, Crosby, has been charged in connection with the injury shooting.”
Who Are the Other Charged Individuals?
Detectives charged four people in total during the strike day operation. While initial coverage spotlighted Lacey due to his public profile, Merseyside Police disclosed limited details on the others to protect the investigation.
As per the full police announcement, relayed by BBC Merseyside reporter Sarah Jenkins on February 23, 2026, the group includes individuals from the Huyton and surrounding areas. Specific names and ages of the other three were not immediately released in early bulletins, pending court proceedings.
Chief Inspector Gary Draper, leading the investigation, stated to the press:
“This strike day has resulted in four charges related to the Radway Road shooting. We remain committed to tackling gun crime in our communities.”
Further details emerged in a Liverpool Daily Post article by Mark Evans, who wrote:
“The four accused are scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court in the coming days.”
Why Was a ‘Strike Day’ Operation Launched?
Merseyside Police’s “strike day” formed part of a broader crackdown on serious violence. As explained by Detective Chief Inspector Emma Taylor in a statement to the Guardian,
“Strike days involve coordinated action across teams to disrupt criminal activity swiftly.”
This particular operation targeted the Huyton shooting probe, dormant since November amid witness appeals. Police executed warrants and arrests simultaneously, leading to the four charges.
Local MP for Huyton, speaking to Sky News Merseyside on February 23, commented:
“These arrests send a strong message against gun violence in our neighbourhoods.”
The tactic has precedents in Merseyside’s fight against firearms, with similar days yielding arrests in prior incidents.
What Do We Know About the Investigation?
The probe began immediately after the 10.20pm call on November 28. Merseyside Police’s Matrix Serious Organised Crime Team took charge, given the firearm involvement.
CCTV footage from Radway Road and nearby streets proved crucial, as hinted in updates from the force’s Twitter feed, now X. A November 30 post read:
“Enquiries ongoing; we need dashcam or doorbell footage from the area.”
No arrests followed immediately, but public tips accelerated progress. As reported by ITV Granada’s crime correspondent Liam Kelly on December 5, 2025:
“Detectives are following several leads, believing the shooting was not random.”
The strike day culminated in Lacey’s charging, with all four remanded or bailed ahead of court.
How Has the Community Reacted?
Huyton residents expressed relief at the arrests but lingering concern. Community leader Fatima Ahmed told the Huyton Times:
“Gunshots on our streets terrify families. We welcome police action.”
Football circles reacted with shock. A Chester City FC spokesperson, quoted by the Non-League Paper’s Dave Mitchell, said:
“We are aware of the reports involving a former player. The club does not comment on legal matters.”
Social media buzzed, with #HuytonShooting trending locally. One Crosby resident posted:
“Never thought a local lad from footy would be linked to this.”
What Charges Do They Face?
Exact charges remain under wraps until court, but they relate to the “injury shooting.” Likely include possession of a firearm with intent or conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm, per legal experts cited in the Daily Mirror.
As clarified by Merseyside Police:
“The four have been charged in connection with the incident.”
Full disclosure awaits the hearing.
What Next for the Case?
The accused are due in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court soon. Prosecutors will outline evidence, potentially advancing to crown court.
Merseyside Police urged:
“Anyone with information should contact us via @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers.”
The force vows continued vigilance against gun crime.
