On the evening of November 28, 2025, the quiet residential streets of Huyton, Liverpool, were rocked by a violent incident that would soon make headlines across the UK. At around 10:20 pm, a man in his twenties was shot twice in the leg while standing on the driveway of an address on Radway Road. According to multiple reports, including those from Liverpool Echo and North Wales Live, the attack was carried out by two men riding a Sur-ron electric bike, a detail that would later play a crucial role in the police investigation.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, was rushed to hospital in critical condition. The nature of his injuries and the audacity of the attack stunned the local community and prompted an immediate and robust response from Merseyside Police. In the days and weeks that followed, detectives gathered evidence, reviewed surveillance footage, and appealed to the public for any information that could help identify those responsible.
The investigation reached a turning point on February 19, 2026, when Merseyside Police executed a series of coordinated warrants across Knowsley, Sefton, and Liverpool. The operation, described by Detective Inspector Chris Clark as part of an ongoing and complex investigation, led to the arrest of four men. Among those taken into custody was Patrick Sean Lacey, a name familiar to football fans across the region.
Lacey, 32, is perhaps best known for his footballing career, which began in the youth ranks of Tranmere Rovers before stints at the academies of Manchester United and Liverpool. He later played professionally for Altrincham, Barrow, Accrington Stanley, Southport, and most recently Flint Town United in the Cymru Premier. According to LancsLive, his time on the pitch was marked by determination and resilience, qualities that also saw him transition into a successful career as a professional boxer, where he amassed a record of either 10-0 or 10-1, depending on the source, with a notable knockout victory against Owen Kirk in October 2023. Earlier in February 2026, Lacey suffered his first boxing defeat on points to Jack Swallow, as reported by Express.
Lacey is not the only member of his family to make waves in the football world. His younger brother, Shea Lacey, is a rising star at Manchester United, while another brother, Luis, plays for Macclesfield. The family’s sporting pedigree, however, has now been overshadowed by the gravity of the charges facing Patrick.
Alongside Lacey, three other men were arrested and charged with a suite of serious offenses: 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 face charges of 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. The breadth and severity of these charges underscore the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.
The suspects appeared at Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens Adult Remand Court on the morning of February 20, 2026. Their court appearance marks the next phase in a legal process that will be closely watched by the public and media alike, given the high-profile nature of at least one of the accused.
Detective Inspector Chris Clark, speaking on behalf of Merseyside Police’s Firearms Investigation Team, emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving violent crimes. "These coordinated warrants were carried out as part of an ongoing investigation, and all four men will appear in court today. 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," Clark stated, as quoted by Liverpool Echo and Express.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Merseyside Police by calling 101 or reaching out via social media @MerPolCC, quoting reference 25000975453. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
The shooting itself has raised concerns about the prevalence of violent crime and the use of firearms in Merseyside. While the region has made significant strides in reducing gun-related incidents over the past decade, high-profile cases like this one serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that remain. The use of a Sur-ron electric bike—a vehicle that can be both fast and quiet—suggests a degree of planning and intent, heightening the sense of alarm among residents and law enforcement alike.
Lacey’s arrest is particularly shocking to those who followed his sporting career. His journey through the ranks of English football, from promising academy player to seasoned professional, was mirrored by his achievements in the boxing ring. His most recent boxing record, prior to February 2026, stood at an undefeated 10-0, with his only loss coming just weeks before his arrest. This dual-sport success story, however, is now clouded by the allegations he faces.
For the victim and his family, the legal proceedings will offer a chance for justice and, perhaps, closure. For the accused, including Lacey, the coming weeks and months will be critical as they prepare to contest the charges in court. The outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications, not only for those directly involved but also for the broader community and the sporting world that once celebrated Lacey’s achievements.
As the investigation continues, Detective Inspector Clark’s call for witnesses remains open. The hope is that anyone with information—no matter how minor it may seem—will step forward to assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice. In a city where community ties run deep, the collective effort to combat violent crime is as vital as ever.
The events of November 28, 2025, have left a lasting mark on Huyton and beyond. As the legal process unfolds, the eyes of both the local and sporting communities will remain fixed on the courtroom, awaiting answers and, ultimately, accountability.