A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 26-year-old beautician who was shot dead on Christmas Eve in a pub.
Elle Edwards was celebrating with her sister and friends at the Lighthouse Inn at Wallasey Village on the Wirral when she was shot in the head shortly before midnight on Saturday.
She was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Merseyside Police confirmed on Boxing Day evening that two arrests have been made in connection with the shooting – a 30-year-old man on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, and a 19-year-old woman on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
The two suspects have been taken into custody where they will be questioned by detectives, the force said.
Tributes were paid today to the “beautiful angel” as her family and friends come to terms with Ms Edwards’ death.
Her father visited the scene on Boxing Day, laying flowers among the sea of tributes outside the pub as they described their daughter as the “light of their lives” in a floral tribute.
A heart-shaped plaque bearing a pink and green floral design read: “Special daughter, the happiness you brought in your own special way, will be remembered with love each and every day.”
Posting to Instagram on Monday, colleagues at Ms Edwards’ workplace, beauty salon Nova Studio, told of being “absolutely lost for words”.
“Heaven gained the most beautiful angel. We are all heartbroken, thinking of all of your family right now Elle,” they wrote. “Thank you for all of the laughs and happiness you brought into our lives, rest in paradise angel, love from your team at Nova.”
It is not believed that she had been the intended target of the shooting that also injured four others.
A 28-year-old man from Beechwood remains in a critical condition with a gunshot wound to the body.
In addition, a 22-year-old man also from Beechwood suffered injuries to his legs, a 24-year-old man from Wallasey suffered an injury to his hand and a 33-year-old man suffered an injury to his wrist.
Detective superintendent Sue Coombs from major crime investigations said in an update on Boxing Day: “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.”
Wallasey MP Dame Angela Eagle also said there was no proof that the shooting was linked to organised crime in Liverpool.
“We know that for many years there’s been a serious and organised crime issue with firearms involved over the river (in Liverpool),” Dame Angela told the BBC.
“It hasn’t really impinged on the Wirral side of the River Mersey and there’s no proof or evidence at the moment that what happened in Wallasey Village is actually related to any of the gangs in Liverpool.”
Local councillors are urging people to not “stay quiet” or “sit in silence” if they have any information about the shooting.
In a gathering of police and community leaders in an effort to show their support to residents, Wirral Borough Council leader, Jeanette Williams, said: “If you have any information, then do the right thing and speak up, otherwise you are complicit to the murder of the young woman. And no one can sit in silence.”
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 22000948723.
