A fundraiser for "Princess Elle" has raised more than £20,000 as support and tributes pour in.
Elle Edwards was out celebrating with her friends and sister at the Lighthouse Pub in Wallasey Village on Christmas Eve before a gunman fired multiple shots towards the front entrance. The shooting killed the 26-year-old and injured four other men.
Police confirmed Elle was not the intended target. Elle's death has shocked Merseyside, and tributes have been paid to the 26-year-old beautician.
READ MORE: Merseyside couple killed in Australian helicopter crash named
At the scene, a message in a floral tribute left by Elle's sister Lucy, reads: "To my Elle May, I love you forever, you will always be by my side. Love Lucy Lou. x" Elle's parents also wrote: "To my beautiful Elle, you are the light of my life you will never be gone, Mum and Dad xxxx."
A fundraising page set up on December 27 to help the family during this difficult time has now surpassed £20,000.
With more than 1,000 donations, the fundraiser has surpassed its original target of £5,000. Set up by Elle's sister-in-law, Kirby Fraser, it 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."
ECHO readers continue to send tributes and messages of support to the family. Lisa Sweeney said: "Sending big love, hugs and caring thoughts to the gorgeous family, my heart goes out to you all. Godbless, R.i.p heavenly Angel Elle."
Juju Jones wrote: "Thoughts go out to you all. Absolutely Heartbreaking, R.I.P. Princess Elle." As Shaun Keegan added: "No words can describe this. Loves and hugs to everyone hurting so much. Try and stay strong."
Friends who were out celebrating with Elle on the night of her death previously described Elle and her sister as "soul mates." They told Sky News that Lucy, who had travelled home from Dubai for Christmas, left the pub sometime earlier but Elle stayed out with them.
One friend, Meg said: "We had been dancing and singing and now she's on the floor...I've got videos of us all I can't stop watching...We were so happy. It happened so fast, I can't get it out of my head. I wish we could have done more, but there was nothing else we could have done."
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
READ NEXT:
12 of the most high profile trials due to take place in 2023
57 tributes, death and funeral notices from across Merseyside
Man dies and two seriously injured in New Year's Day smash
Elle Edwards sister's tribute to 'best friend' and 'soul mate'
Liverpool's rat league - the parts of the city with the worst rodent problems
