Emergency services first responded to reports of a woman with a knife on Cairns Street, in Toxteth, at 1.50pm today, before the incident moved to nearby North Hill Street.

A woman was then shot by the police and suffered an injury to her upper body, a spokesperson for the force said.

She has now been taken to hospital and the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

A large police presence still remains in the area, which is currently cordoned off from the public.

A witness described hearing ‘bang’ outside his home and told the Liverpool Echo it ‘sounded like fireworks.

The police spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm officers are currently dealing with an incident in Toxteth.

‘Officers were called at 1.50pm today to Cairns Street to reports of a woman armed with a knife.

‘Patrols attended the scene and a female was shot by police and suffered an injury to her upper body. The woman has been taken to hospital for treatment.’

An ambulance service spokesperson added: ‘We attended with a resource from our hazardous area response team, a rapid response vehicle, ambulance, advanced paramedic and tactical commander.

‘We have taken a patient to hospital.’