Police have warned people in in Liverpool to remain indoors as they search for a man who reportedly aimed a gun at staff working in a busy cinema.

Merseyside police confirmed they were investigating two firearms incidents, one at the Cinema de Lux Liverpool and another around the corner on Lower House Lane where officers were told gun shots had been heard on Wednesday night. 

‘‘At around 8.50pm officers received a report that shots had been fired at Showcase Cinemas on East Lancashire Road after a man entered the premises carrying a firearm,’’ the force said. 

‘‘About 20 minutes before there was an incident at a business on Lower House Lane where a firearm was discharged.

‘‘Armed officers and local policing officers are in the area and members of the public are advised to stay indoors whilst the incident ongoing.’’

There were no reports of injuries. 

Craig Moorhead, who had been watching Wonka with his daughter, 14, told the Liverpool Echo a staff member had told him a man had “aimed at her with a shotgun”.

A spokesperson from Showcase Cinemas said: “We are aware of an incident at our cinema and the surrounding area in Liverpool.

“The safety and welfare of our staff and customers is always our number one priority and we can confirm that no one was injured.

‘‘We would like to thank our team members and the local police for their swift responses to this active investigation.”