More than £13,000 has been raised for the family of Elle Edwards, who was tragically shot and killed while in a pub on Christmas Eve.
Elle had been out celebrating with friends at The Lighthouse Pub in Wallasey Village, Merseyside, when she was fatally shot. Four men were also shot and injured in the horrific incident.
Police have said they don’t believe Elle had been the intended target of the attack.
A fundraising page set up following the 26-year-old beautician’s death has raised more than £13,300 so far.
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The fundraiser reads: “Elle Marlene Edwards. You will always be with us, your bright smile and your infectious laugh will never be forgotten.
“Due to the devastating incident that occurred on Christmas Eve, which resulted in the tragic loss of our beautiful Elle May, I would like to help raise money for our family during these difficult times.”
On Monday (26 December), Merseyside Police arrested a 30-year-old man from Tranmere on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, and a 19-year-old woman from Rock Ferry who has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
As of yet, their identities have not been made public.
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Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell has condemned the ‘cowardly’ attack and said that officers will be ‘relentless’ when it comes to finding those responsible.
Spurrell said: “It was devastating to wake up on Christmas Day to learn of the tragic and senseless death of Elle Edwards. My heart goes out to all those who knew and loved Elle.
"No family should lose a loved one in such shocking and appalling circumstances. To do so just ahead of Christmas, a time when we all look forward to spending time with those we care for most, makes this even more shattering.
“Their pain and suffering is unimaginable, and sadly the impact of this callous and horrific act will last a lifetime for them. It is those who are responsible for this utterly despicable and cowardly act who deserve the life sentence.
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"To open fire in a crowded public house, full of people out socialising and enjoying the festivities ahead of Christmas Day, is an act of wanton violence and shows complete disregard for the safety of all those inside. Merseyside Police will be relentless in its pursuit of those responsible.
"The determination to ensure those who have inflicted such misery and suffering face justice is palpable. Arrests have already been made and the investigation goes on around the clock.”
She then went on to thank police staff for their continued efforts and urged anyone with any information to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 22000948723.
Claire Reid