Detectives are appealing for information after a man was injured and his dog killed after being shot through a letterbox at a house in Anfield on Tuesday.
Merseyside Police believe that the 36-year-old victim was outside the property when he was approached by two males wearing balaclavas and gloves.
It is thought that one of the assailants pulled out a gun and the man ran into the house where the shooting occurred.
The victim was treated inside the house before being taken to hospital bit the dog died at the scene.
No arrests have been made.
DI Paul Speight, said: “The investigation is in its early stages and motive for the attack is currently unknown and detectives are working to establish the full circumstances leading up to the incident.”
Inquiries are being carried out in the area and officers are appealing for witnesses and dashcam camera footage from anyone who was in the area at the time.