http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2012/05/17/police-hunt-bogus-taxi-after-blundellsands-businessman-is-targeted-in-shooting-100252-30986564/POLICE were today hunting a bogus taxi driver after a well-known Merseyside businessman was targeted in a drive-by shooting.
A passenger in a blue Audi with Sefton taxi plates fired a shotgun at nightclub owner Terry Riley’s silver Range Rover in Abbotsford Road, Blundellsands, yesterday morning.
The ECHO understands dad-of-two Mr Riley, 43, who was uninjured in the incident, chased the gunman’s vehicle along Kenilworth Road, Blundellsands Road East, College Road and Oxford Road before losing sight of it.
The head of Merseyside police’s Matrix unit today said he believed a number of unlicensed taxi drivers were involved in organised crime.
Chief Superintendent Tony Doherty also urged legitimate cabbies to identify the driver of the Audi – thought to be an A4, A5 or A6 model – involved in the shooting at 8am yesterday.
Police sealed off a large area around Blundellsands and Crosby railway station, which is just yards from the scene of the gun attack.
Dozens of commuters were queuing for rush-hour train services at the time.
Rod Clarke, who was working at the Green Kiosk newsagent at the station, said: "I heard a loud bang. I thought it was car backfiring until the police arrived."
Mr Doherty said: "This was an extremely reckless incident showing complete disregard for people going about their ordinary business in the middle of rush hour and during the school run.
"The station was busy with commuters and we are appealing to these people to contact us if they believe they have any information that could help our investigation and put those responsible behind bars.
"We also ask members of the community to contact us if they noticed any cars either missing from their street this morning or abandoned in their area."
The Matrix unit is currently leading an operation into the criminal use of taxis linked to gun crime and drug-dealing.