A Wirral MP said a "senseless" murder on Christmas Eve has rocked the community around the pub where it happened.
A volley of bullets was fired at the entrance of the Lighthouse Inn in Wallasey on December 24 last year, killing 26-year-old bystander Elle Edwards. Police are investigating the murder as part of a wider effort to tackle serious organised crime in Wirral.
Speaking about the shocking killing of popular Elle, Dame Angela Eagle MP, who represents Wallasey in Parliament, said she would never have expected the pub nor Wallasey Village to be at the centre of an incident such as the murder.
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Ms Eagle described the shooting as “atrocious, appalling, senseless and pointless,” adding that “many people were shocked and concerned that it could happen in that area” when she visited the scene on January 5.
She said: "It is heartbreaking for the family. I think there is anger in the community about how this could have been allowed to happen.
“I want to see these killers brought to justice. If anyone has information please report that to the police. If anyone thinks they might know something and if they’re worried about doing it in their own name, they can do it anonymously through Crimestoppers.
“I don’t think anybody will be happy until the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Like Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Wirral Council leader Janette Williamson, Ms Eagle argued cuts to Merseyside Police’s budget are impacting how effective they can be at tackling organised crime.
She said: “It’s about ensuring our police force is properly funded in tackling organised crime groups. If you look at what’s been happening there’s been a great deal of activity but that will cost money and it will cost extra officers.
“I’m not a government spokesperson and they come out about how there’s going to be more officers but that only takes us back to 2010.”
Ms Eagle praised the work of police in the Wallasey community to support people with a mobile police station and meeting with local shops, businesses, and residents.
However she believes this is an exception rather than the norm, adding: “What a pity we can’t do that permanently.”
She said she had raised this issue with the Home Office on multiple occasions and that “the Home Office has recognised that there’s been a particular issue with organised crime in Merseyside.”
For those affected by the events at the Lighthouse, support is available through the Victim Care Merseyside support service on 0808 175 3080. A 24 hour crisis helpline has also been set up by Wirral Council on 0800 145 6485.
Information in relation to the Elle Edwards case can be passed via 101, DM @MerPolCC or by contacting @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.
