Merseyside shooting: Two arrests after woman killed in Christmas Eve shooting at pub

Two people have been arrested after a 26-year-old woman was shot dead in a pub in Merseyside on Christmas Eve.

A man aged 30 from Tranmere was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, and a woman aged 19 from Rock Ferry was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

Both are in police custody and being questioned by detectives.

Elle Edwards died after she was shot in the head at the Lighthouse Inn in Wallasey village in the Wirral shortly before midnight on Christmas Eve.

She is not believed to have been the target of the attack.

Detective Superintendent Sue Coombs from Merseyside Police said: “We have made two arrests in connection with this cold-blooded shooting.

“Elle’s family are still having to come to terms with her tragic loss, and our specially trained family liaison officers are supporting them.

“We will not rest until we bring those responsible to justice and I would appeal to anyone who has information to contact us.

“I would urge people who were in the Lighthouse Inn at the time of the incident, or anyone who 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 are also appealing to motorists and residents in the area, who may have captured anything on dashcam or CCTV to contact us and every bit of evidence is crucial to the investigation.”

A man aged 28 who was injured in the attack remains in a serious condition in hospital.

Three others suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the attack.

Family and friends laid flowers at the scene of the shooting on Boxing Day, led by Ms Edwards’ father, Tim Edwards.

Her family had been left “devastated” and “inconsolable” by her death, police said in their appeal to the public for information.

Earlier, Merseyside Police made a series of arrests unconnected to the murder, but as a result of a heightened police presence in the area, mostly for alcohol and drug related offences.

‘A very settled, good community’

The MP for Wallasey, Angela Eagle, told Sky News she was “heartbroken” at the “senseless” act.

She described the area as a “very settled, good community”.

She added: “The police have emphasised the place that this happened, is not to do with the place, and I hope that will reassure frightened constituents who found themselves in the middle of this appalling tragedy.”

Ms Eagle urged members of the public to contact Merseyside Police should they have any information about the shooting, “no matter how small”.

“Merseyside [police] are extremely good, and very experienced, unfortunately, at dealing with these kinds of incidents,” she added, referencing a trail of violence that has left heartbreak and bloodshed across the region in recent months.