Police are searching for a shooter who allegedly charged a mosque this afternoon.

After afternoon prayers, the thug is thought to have pulled the weapon as he approached a group of people leaving the building.

Police say that at around 2:00 PM today, two guys on motorcycles are heading towards the Al Rahma Mosque in Toxteth, Merseyside.

Then, according to reports, one of them got off his horse and charged at two more men.

The man who was pursuing them stopped in front of the mosque, and the frightened onlookers ran inside.

After that, he reportedly drew a gun before returning to his bike and heading towards Grafton Street.

No shots were fired and nobody was injured, police confirmed.

Senior officers confirmed that patrols have been increased in the area and that house-to-house enquiries are being carried out.

Detective Superintendent Steve Reardon of Merseyside Police said: "There is no place for firearms on our streets and we will do everything within our power to take firearms, and those who use them to cause fear in our communities, off the streets.

"The investigation is in its early stages and we are working hard to build up a picture to identify the offenders and the intended targets so we can establish the circumstances leading up to today’s incident.

"We also understand that the community will be concerned that this incident happened outside a mosque and we are determined to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

"The use of firearms in our community will not be tolerated.

"Information from the public is vital if we are to breakdown the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward."

The force is appealing for any witnesses, as well as dashcam, CCTV and video doorbell footage.