The family of a young woman shot dead in her own home have spoken of their "living nightmare" on what would have been her 29th birthday.
Ashley Dale was killed at around 12.40am on August 21 after a gunman burst through the front door of her home on Leinster Road, Old Swan, and fired multiple shots "indiscriminately". The Knowsley Council civil servant was hit in the abdomen and collapsed in her back yard, where she was spotted by a neighbour.
As yet, no-one has been charged with her murder. Today her devastated family called for help in bringing her killer to justice - and shared their pain ahead of an "unbearable" Christmas without Ashley.
In a statement released through Merseyside Police, family said: "We would like to emphasise the devastating effects gun crime has had on our family. On what would have been Ashley's 29th birthday, her loss is beyond words, the family have been torn apart and life can never be 'normal' again.
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"Her birthday being so close to Christmas made this time of year so special, but without her, Christmas is going to be unbearable. Life has become a living nightmare for Ashley's parents, siblings and family. Her loving, kind and articulate nature showed through with the number of friends she had. We couldn't have been more proud of Ashley.
"A huge hole has been left, life will never be the same again. We miss you Ash with all our hearts and vow that justice for 'Our Ash' will be served."
Merseyside Police said a total of 15 arrests had been made as part of the investigation into Ashley's death, and all of these suspects remained on conditional bail or under investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cummings, who is leading the investigation, said: “We know that today will be an extremely difficult time for Ashley’s family and friends, as they continue to come to terms with her sudden and tragic passing. We share their determination to see justice served, and to that end our investigation team continues to make progress.
"Detectives review all new information received on Ashley’s murder as a high priority, so please don’t assume what you know is already known to us. The smallest detail, image, footage or description could prove pivotal to our enquiries, so let us make that assessment. Please continue to come forward and we will keep everyone updated with any developments as we have them.
"If you haven’t already contacted us, please submit any information you have directly with our investigation team through our online portal: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk). This will make sure that your information is received and acted on as quickly as possible by detectives."
Anyone with information can also contact Merseyside Police via social media @MerPolCC or call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 22000615873.
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