One of the victims of a shooting which took place on the Wirral on Christmas Eve has been named.
On Saturday, 24 December, 2022, a gunman fired shots towards The Lighthouse in Wallasey Village, the Wirral, Merseyside, resulting in one woman being killed and four others being injured.
The woman has since been identified as 26-year-old beautician Elle Edwards.
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At around 11:50pm on Christmas Eve, Edwards was shot in the head and four others were injured when a shooter opened fire at the front of The Lighthouse pub.
Edwards was immediately rushed to Arrowe Park Hospital but sadly passed away as a result of her injuries.
Four men - aged 22, 24, 28 and 33 - also sustained injuries, according to the BBC. The 28-year-old - from Beechwood - is reported as being in critical condition.
Edwards' workplace, Nova Beauty, released a statement on Instagram following her tragic death.
The post reads: "Absolutely lost for words … Heaven gained the most beautiful angel.
"We are all heartbroken, thinking of all of your family right now elle, thank you for all of the laughs and happiness you brought into our lives, rest in paradise angel, love from your team at nova."
A Facebook user named Tyreece Hon also posted a tribute to Edwards.
He wrote: "So last night this angle gained her wings and headed to the stars Ellie you was always a big sister to me in my eyes and I can’t believe you’ve been taken from us so soon my heart goes out to your family who took me in as a son love you loads. Shine bright you crazy diamond.
"Till we shall meet again."
At a press conference on Christmas Day, Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims urged members of the public to come forward if they know anything at all about the shooting as the investigation 'will rely heavily on information' from the public.
Sims said: "Come forward so we can bring those responsible for this horrific murder of a young woman at Christmas to justice.
"She should have had the rest of her life to look forward to. Instead, her family can now only think of what might have been. These people need to be caught."
Assistant Chief Constable Sims added police do not believe Edwards was 'targeted' and they are still 'trying to establish the motive and circumstances surrounding this callous shooting'.
In a post to Facebook, Merseyside Police's Detective Superintendent David McCaughrean stated: "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."
Anyone with information is asked to DM Merseyside Police Contact Centre or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1044 of Saturday 24 December.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: UK News, Christmas, Crime, True Crime
Poppy Bilderbeck