"There are no words really - there is a family somewhere on Wirral who have presents under the tree for their daughter and they’re not opened."
Those were the words spoken by Wirral Council leader Janette Williamson outside the Lighthouse pub, Wallasey Village, where Elle Edwards was gunned down on Christmas Eve. The 26-year-old, who had been celebrating her sister's return from Dubai for Christmas with her friends, died from a gunshot wound to the head.
The beautician, who worked at Nova Hair and Beauty Studio in Moreton, is not believed to be the intended target of the shooting. Four men were also injured in the reckless act of violence that took place in front of dozens of pub goers just minutes before Christmas Day.
READ MORE: Elle Edwards was 'singing and dancing' moments before being shot dead
Those injured included a 28-year-old man from Beechwood, Wirral, who police confirmed is no longer critical but is continuing to receive medical treatment. A 22-year-old man also suffered an injury to his legs, a 24-year-old sustained an injury to his hand and a 33-year-old an injury to his wrist.
Merseyside Police yesterday, December 26, confirmed a man, 30, from Tranmere had been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. A 19-year-old woman from Rock Ferry was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. Both suspects remain in police custody while questioned by detectives.
Detective Superintendent Sue Coombs, from Merseyside Police's major crime investigations, 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."
DSI Coombs urged eye witnesses at the Lighthouse who might have mobile or CCTV footage of what happened to contact police as a matter of urgency.
People woke on Christmas morning to the news of Ms Edwards' death. The senseless act of extreme violence rounded off a tragic period for Merseyside that saw several people lose their lives in the lead up to Christmas Day.
Rachael Louise Moore
Former student Rachael Louise Moore was hit and killed by a police car on Christmas Eve.
Ms Moore, 22, was hit by the marked police car on Sheil Road, Kensington, at around 8.10pm. Emergency crews rushed to the scene but Ms Moore was pronounced dead.
Her family paid a heartbreaking tribute calling her a "cherished daughter" who will be "greatly missed by all those lives she touched". Merseyside Police confirmed the force had referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and were providing assistance to the investigation.
Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, from the Matrix serious collision investigation unit, said: "Our sincere thoughts and condolences are with Rachael’s family who have been left devastated by this tragic incident. Specially trained family liaison officers are supporting them at this time.
"I would like to appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident to please make contact with us as we try to piece together the circumstances. I would also like to ask anyone who has CCTV, dashcam or smart doorbell footage that may help us to please get in touch. As is standard procedure the incident was referred to the IOPC. The family requests their privacy be respected at this time."
Courtney Boorne
A suspect was charged in connection with the death of 20-year-old Courtney Boorne.
Merseyside Police confirmed on Christmas Day that a 19-year-old man had been charged over Ms Boorne's death. Emergency services were called to Quarry Green Heights in Kirkby at around 4.40pm on Friday, December 23 following reports of a disturbance.
Ms Boorne was taken to hospital in a critical condition but despite the best efforts of emergency crews she died. Following her death, Liam Cain, 19, of Skipton Road, Anfield was charged with murder. He was remanded into custody and will appear in court tomorrow, Wednesday, December 28.
A GoFundMe page was set up for Ms Boorne's family. Describing the 20-year-old as a "beautiful angel", the appeal said those who knew her were in "total disbelief" over what had happened.
Detective Inspector Laura Lamping said at the time: "Our thoughts first and foremost are with the victim’s family. We are in the extremely early stages of this investigation and our officers are working to establish exactly what happened."
Billy Moore
A suspect was charged following the death of Billy Moore on December 23.
Mr Moore, 31, died following an incident at an address in Warrington. Emergency services were called to Yardley Avenue in Bewsey and Whitecross following reports a man had sustained serious injuries.
Mr Moore was taken to hospital but died a short time later. Cheshire Police later confirmed James Ireland, 41, of Lodge Lane, Bewsey and Whitecross, had been charged with murder.
Ireland was remanded into custody and appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court yesterday, December 26. A 44-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident and was released on conditional bail.
Merseyside Police is also appealing for information on two other serious incidents that happened in the lead up to Christmas.
Man rushed to hospital with 'serious injury' to thigh after being stabbed
A woman was arrested after a man was stabbed in the leg in St Helens.
Emergency services were called to an address on Gillars Green Drive, Eccleston at around 12.30pm on December 24. A man was rushed to hospital with a serious injury to his thigh, with later confirming he was in a stable condition.
Merseyside Police said a 53-year-old woman from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of assault and taken into custody where she was questioned by detectives. A large police cordon was seen on Christmas Eve around the street while officers carried out enquiries.
A police spokesperson confirmed an investigation is underway and CCTV, witness and forensic enquiries were carried out. The spokesperson appealed for witnesses to contact police with log 415 of Saturday, December 24.
Man suffers 'serious head injuries' after being hit by bus on Christmas Eve
A man was hit by a bus and taken to hospital with serious head injuries on Christmas Eve.
Police were called to the crash on Queens Drive at around 7.18pm. Officers sealed off the road and pictures from the scene showed a cordon in place.
A force incident manager confirmed to the ECHO on Christmas Day that a man was taken to hospital with serious head injuries after the crash. The incident happened around 50 minutes before Rachael Louise Moore was hit by the police car on Sheil Road.
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