TWO suspects are in custody after the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Elle Edwards outside a Wallasey pub on Christmas Eve night.
Gunshots fired at pub
Beautician Elle Edwards was killed in the Christmas Eve pub shooting in Wallasey. She was shot in the head in what police believe was not a targeted attack.
The 26-year-old was with her sister and friends at the Lighthouse Inn, in Wallasey Village, when she was shot.
Police were called to the scene shortly before midnight, with one neighbour saying they had assumed the gunshots were celebratory fireworks for the festive season.
Police said they believe the gunman fired shots towards the front entrance of the pub and that minutes later a dark-coloured vehicle "possibly an A class Mercedes" was seen leaving the car park.
Tributes to "beautiful Elle"
The victim of the fatal shooting was identified by police as 26-year-old Elle Edwards.
Elle’s parents and family were among those to leave flowers and tributes outside the pub, calling her "the light of my life".
READ > Two arrested in connection with shooting of Elle Edwards
The parents’ tribute read: “To beautiful Elle, you are the light of my life you will never be gone.”
A sea of floral tributes is building at the scene, reflecting the devastation many people are experiencing during the festive season.
Heartbroken friends say heaven has “gained the most beautiful angel”.
Nova Beauty, where Ellie worked, said staff were “heartbroken”.
A tribute on social media read: “Absolutely lost for words… Heaven gained the most beautiful angel.
"We are all heartbroken, thinking of all of your family right now Ellie, thank you for all of the laughs and happiness you brought into our lives, rest in paradise angel, love from your team at Nova.”
Four men injured
Four men were hurt in the incident, with one in a critical condition and the other three not believed to have life-threatening injuries.
Police said a 28-year-old man from Beechwood in the Wirral is in a critical condition.
The other three injured include a 22-year-old man, also from Beechwood, who has leg injuries, a 24-year-old man from Wallasey with a hand injury and a 33-year-old man who suffered an injury to his wrist.
What police said after shooting
Detective Superintendent Sue Coombs told a press conference on Christmas Day: "Tragically the victim, a 26-year-old woman, had suffered a serious gunshot injury to her head.
"She was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital but sadly passed away shortly afterwards.
"Her family have been informed and on today, which should be a day with friends celebrating, they are coming to terms with this tragic loss.
"It's very early stages of the investigation but we do not believe that the victim in this case has been targeted.
"She was out enjoying Christmas with her sister and friends at what should have been a peaceful time.
"What her family are now going through is incomprehensible."
Ms Coombs said they were still trying to establish a motive for the "callous shooting" and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
She said: "We believe that the gunman fired shots towards the front entrance of the pub, we know that minutes later, a dark-coloured vehicle, possibly an A class Mercedes, was seen to leave the pub car park, so we are particularly keen to speak to that male and anybody who knows anything about that vehicle.
"We won't rest until we find the people responsible for this terrible, terrible crime."
Man and woman arrested
On Boxing Day, police said a 30-year-old man, from Tranmere, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Meanwhile, a 19-year-old woman, from Rock Ferry, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
Police said the two suspects have been taken into custody where they will be questioned by detectives.
Detective Superintendent Sue Coombs, from Major Crime Investigations, said: "We have made two arrests in connection with this cold-blooded shooting."
The murder investigation continues following the death of the 26-year-old.
Reassurance offered to residents
On Monday, officers from Merseyside Police were joined by local councillors and representatives from Wirral Council and the office of Dame Angela Eagle MP to show their support to residents during this tragic time.
They called on people’s houses in the roads surrounding Wallasey Village to provide reassurance and give residents an opportunity to raise any concerns they may have.
Wirral’s Community Policing lead, Superintendent Matthew Moscrop, said: “Police officers, council representatives and local councillors talked with residents following this truly shocking shooting on Christmas Eve.
“The common sentiment from residents was sympathy for the family of Elle, who have tragically lost their loved one.
“Residents understood the need for us to carry out our work and that road closures are in place while investigations continue.
“People also appreciated the support from ourselves, the council, councillors and Dame Angela Eagle MP during this tragic time. We shall maintain an increased police presence to reassure people in the wake of this event.”
Supt Moscrop continued: “We urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact us, supporting the investigation and helping to find justice for Elle, her family and others injured or otherwise affected.
“This is not the time for anyone who knows who is responsible for this shooting to stay quiet. Do the right thing and contact us with information.”
A 'horrendous and abhorrent incident'
Leader of Wirral Borough Council, Cllr Jeanette Williams said: “We have come together to reassure residents in Wallasey Village following this horrendous and abhorrent incident.
“This is a one-off occurrence which is out of character for the area, and police and council are here to provide reassurance and support to residents in the village.
“Our hearts go out to the family of Elle at this tragic time as they deal with the loss of their loved one.
“If you have any information then do the right thing and speak up, otherwise you are complicit to the murder of the young woman, and no one can sit in silence.”
Who to contact if you have information
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC on Twitter, or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 22000948723.
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