AN investigation has been launched after an 18-year-old man was shot twice by armed police officers.

The shooting, at about 7.45pm on Friday, February 19, followed a four-hour siege at a flat in Belvedere Road, Newton-le-Willows.

Police were called to the scene following an incident earlier in the day when two 10-year-old girls reported being threatened by a man wielding a handgun.

Officers sealed off the area and began negotiations with the man, James Souster, who threatened to kill himself and shoot the police.

When he left the house and tried to break through the police cordon, he was challenged by armed officers and shot twice in the thigh.

Souster was then taken to Warrington General Hospital where he was detained for treatment.

Merseyside Police voluntarily referred the incident to the Police Complaints Authority. Detective Superintendent Melvyn Shore of the West Mercia Constabulary has been appointed the investigating officer.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "This is a significant and unusual incident on Merseyside and in such circumstances we have voluntarily referred this matter to the Police Complaints Authority. By referring this investigation, we are seeking the expertise of other forces more experienced in this type of incident and enquiries."

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