A coroner confirmed the body of murdered Elle Edwards can be released to her grieving family after post mortem exams were carried out.
An inquest into the shocking death of 26-year-old Elle was formally opened today at Gerard Majella Courthouse. The popular beautician and dental nurse, from New Brighton, was shot dead shortly before midnight on Christmas Eve, as she stood near the front entrance of the Lighthouse Inn, Wallasey Village.
A gunman, who the ECHO understands was waiting outside in a black Mercedes car for around an hour, fired multiple shots towards the crowded front entrance of the pub striking Elle and four other men, who survived their injuries.
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Anita Bhardwaj, Area Coroner for Liverpool and Wirral, presided over the short hearing today and confirmed that provisional post-mortem results concluded that Elle died due to a gunshot wound to the head.
The court heard Elle was rushed to Arrowe Park Hospital but was pronounced dead on Christmas Day. She was formally identified by her dad, Tim Edwards, who recently appeared alongside senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Sue Coombs at a Merseyside Police press conference.
Ms Bhardwaj confirmed all pathological examinations had been conducted and Elle's body could be released to her family so funeral arrangements could be made. She asked court staff to pass on her condolences to Elle's family, and said: "This is the tragic death of a beautiful young woman who had a bright future ahead of her, and so much to offer in both her career and personally.
"As parents nothing can prepare us for the death of a child in any way, shape or form. I think I we can only imagine what the parents and family are going through."
Merseyside Police have so far arrested three people in connection with Elle's murder, including a 30-year-old man on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He was later released from custody but also recalled to prison for breaching his licence.
A 19-year-old woman and 31-year-old man were also detained on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and have both been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Detectives say they received around 150 pieces of intelligence from the community in the first 10 days after the shooting, including CCTV footage, tip-offs about individuals and information on "wider tensions".
DS Coombs has urged anyone who may have any evidence to continue to get in touch with police or Crimestoppers, and said the force is particularly keen for information on the whereabouts of the Mercedes and the firearm used to shoot Elle, neither of which have yet been located.
There is a special Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) where information, CCTV and dashcam and mobile phone footage can be uploaded directly to the investigation team.
Information can also be passed via 101, direct message to @MerPolCC or by contacting @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111
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