TV star Martin Freeman spotted filming The Responder on Wirral street

Filming is underway for the second series of the multi-award-winning and six-time BAFTA-nominated BBC police drama set in Liverpool. 

The hugely successful first series was written by ex-Merseyside Police officer Tony Schumacher and stars Freeman as police officer Chris Carson.

The 52-year-old actor is famed for his roles as Tim in The Office, Dr John Watson in Sherlock and Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit. 

In series one, Chris, who covers the Liverpool region, was demoted from his position as an inspector and undertakes a series of night shifts in the city centre.

Shots of him working are interspersed with scenes at therapy, at home, and with his mother in a nursing lodge.

Last week, residents in Wirral spotted film crew and Freeman shooting the hit drama on Mill Lane in Wallasey.

Martin Freeman on Mill Lane in Wallasey (Image: Martin Hughes)

Talking about the new series, the BBC said: "Chris is attempting to rebuild his life, and his relationships, desperate to avoid the corruption that nearly sucked him under.

"He is trying to be a better police officer, a better man, and most importantly, a better father to his daughter Tilly.

"All whilst still dealing with the relentless trauma of being a night response officer. Chris wants a day job. Chris needs a day job. But is he prepared to risk everything to get one?"

A spokeswoman from the Liverpool Film Office said: "We can confirm that BBC’s The Responder was filming in the Wallasey area and it is just one of the many productions currently being facilitated by the Liverpool Film Office across the Liverpool City Region.

"We’d like to thank residents and businesses, Wirral Council and Merseyside Police for their assistance while filming was underway."