POLICE are hunting a gunman who fired shots at a front door in Birkenhead last night.

High visibility patrols have been stepped up in the area to reassure the local community and house-to-house enquiries are being undertaken.

The area has been subject to a forensic examination and an investigation into the circumstances around the shooting is being led by the force's anti-gun and gang crime Matrix unit

At about 10.45pm, officers were called to Westbourne Road, off Grange Road West, following reports from a member of the public of suspicious activity.

Police found damage to the front door of a property "consistent with a firearm discharge."

It is believed the incident took place at around 7pm.

A neighbour told the Globe he had heard the gun shots last night, but thought the sound was children setting off fireworks. 

No-one was in the house at the time and no one has been reported injured.

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 5699 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.