Wirral's independent local news website
The woman who died following a shooting at a Wallasey pub has been named as 26-year-old Elle Edwards.
Officers were called just after 11.50pm on Saturday 24 December to the Lighthouse Inn in Wallasey Village following reports of gunshots.
Elle Edwards was taken to hospital with an injury consistent with a gunshot wound to which she succumbed and was sadly pronounced deceased. Her family are being supported by specially trained officers.
Three men were also taken to hospital with gunshot wounds and a number of others were also injured.
A murder investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of what has taken place.
A 28-year-old man from Beechwood is currently in a critical condition in hospital with a gunshot wound to the body.
In addition, a 22-year-old man from Beechwood suffered injuries to his legs, a 24-year-old man from Wallasey suffered an injury to his hand and a 33-year-old man suffered an injury to his wrist. None of the injuries suffered by these men is life-threatening.
Following the shooting, Detective Superintendent David McCaughrean said, “This investigation is in the very early stages and we understand that this is a truly shocking and devastating incident that has happened just before Christmas Day in a busy venue full of young people.
“We have a number of officers at Wallasey Village who are carrying out extensive enquiries to understand exactly what has taken place and take immediate action.
“A woman has tragically lost her life at Christmas whilst several people are being treated in hospital and our thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s family.
“I would ask anyone who was in the Lighthouse in Wallasey Village last night who witnessed the incident or has mobile or CCTV footage of what happened to contact us as a matter of urgency as they may have information which is vital to our investigation.
“We believe that the gunman left the pub car park in a dark coloured vehicle – possibly a dark coloured Mercedes shortly after the shooting and we are keen to hear from anyone who saw this to contact us immediately.”
Detective Superintendent Sue Coombs said, “No family should have to be faced with this ordeal at any time but at Christmas, which should be a time of peace and celebration, it makes is so much harder to bear.
“Our specially trained family liaison officers are supporting the family at this tragic time and we are determined to find those responsible.
“The investigation is still in the early stages and we are trying to establish a motive and the circumstances surrounding this callous and cold blooded shooting.
“We believe the gunman fired shots at the front entrance to the pub. Minutes later a dark coloured car, possibly an A-Class Mercedes, was seen to leave the pub car park. We are particularly keen to speak to the driver of that car and ask anyone who may have seen it to contact us immediately.
“We will not rest until we find the people responsible for this shooting and I would appeal to anyone who has information or believes they captured something significant on their dashcam, doorbell camera or mobile phone to contact us.
“Our investigation will rely heavily on information we receive from the public and I urge members of the local community, who have any information which could help us, to get in touch so we can bring those responsible for the horrific murder of a young woman at Christmas to justice.”
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1044 of Saturday 24 December.
Images: Family handout
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