A mum who sent a text to her daughters encouraging them to come home from the pub where Elle Edwards was shot later that evening is "counting her blessings".
Elle was enjoying a night out with friends and family when she was fatally shot at the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village on Christmas Eve.
The 26-year-old, who worked as a beautician at Nova Hair and Beauty Studio in Moreton, is not believed to be the intended target of the shooting.
People woke up on Christmas Day to the tragic news of Elle's death, with many having visited the Lighthouse that night to celebrate the festive season with friends and family.
Ellen, 58, who asked only to be referred to by her first name, said her daughters were among those who spent Christmas Eve at the pub, when she decided to send them a text asking when they were returning home.
Ellen told the Liverpool Echo : "I wouldn't normally chase my daughters. It was only because it was Christmas and you know if you get home and you've had too much to drink Christmas day is a write off.
"I messaged and said 'what time are you coming home? Big day tomorrow.'
"I dread to think what would have happened if I hadn't."
Ellen said she "counts her blessings" that her daughters returned home when they did, with one walking through the door at 11.30pm - around 20 minutes before the shooting.
She added: "I'm fortunate I've got my girls home - that poor family. I heard the gunshots but I didn't know they were gunshots. It made me look at the time - it was ten to 12. I thought it's fireworks and then I heard all the sirens and thought something has gone on.
"It's one of those things you don't expect to happen in this area - we don't have big problems. It's just so sad to be honest."
Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Elle Edwards.
They include a 31-year-old man from Tranmere who has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
Detectives have also been given additional time to question a 30-year-old man from Tranmere, arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, and a 19-year-old woman from Rock Ferry arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
They all remain in custody for questioning.
Police released drone footage on Thursday (December 29), showing police vehicles surrounding a residential street as they arrested a suspect in the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 22000948723.
