THE funeral of Elle Edwards, who died following a shooting last month, is due to take place next week, it has been confirmed.

The 26-year-old beautician was shot dead outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey on Christmas Eve.

Merseyside Police believe she was not the intended target of the attack, in which four men were also injured.

Her funeral will take place at St Nicholas Church in Wallasey next Wednesday (January 25) at 12.30pm, followed by a private service at Landican Cemetery and Crematorium, the Diocese of Chester has confirmed.

Elle, who was described by her family as "the glue that held this big family together" and "the most beautiful and bright star", was enjoying a night out with friends when she was killed.

A statement from her father Tim Edwards on behalf of the family, read: “There was no one as beautiful as our Elle May, her looks, her laugh and the way she would light up a room as soon as she walked in.

“She had this way about her that as soon as you met her, you just instantly fell in love with her, everyone that met Elle knew how special she was.”

The statement added: “Her laugh was infectious. Anyone who was around her had a good time, she loved her life and had so many amazing plans for the future.

“She was only just getting started. Christmas and our family will never be the same again without her. She was the glue that held this big family together, from all of us.

“We will love and miss her forever. Our Elle May, the most beautiful and bright star out there, forever and always.”

Connor Chapman, 22, of Houghton Road in Woodchurch, was charged with her murder last Friday (January 13).

Chapman appeared at Wirral Magistrates' Court on Friday (January 13) charged with nine offences related to the incident.

He appeared again at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday (January 16) via video link from HMP Manchester.

As well the murder of Ms Edwards, Chapman is charged with the attempted murder of Jake Duffy and Kieran Salkeld, and the unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm of Harry Loughran, Nicholas Speed and Liam Carr.

In addition, Chapman is charged with possessing a converted Scorpion sub-machine gun and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

He was also charged with handling stolen goods, a Mercedes A Class car, between December 22 and 26 last year.

No pleas were entered for any of the charges and a trial date was scheduled for June 7, before the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Andrew Menary KC, remanded Chapman into custody ahead of a further appearance before the same court on April 17.

The trial is expected to last three to four weeks.

A 23-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender was released on bail pending further inquiries.

Three other people were previously arrested in connection with the murder.

A 31-year-old man from Tranmere, Wirral, and a 19-year-old woman from Rock Ferry, Wirral, were held on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and bailed pending further inquiries.

A 30-year-old man from Tranmere, who was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, was recalled to prison on licence.