Communities were left shaken after four stabbings and one shooting in Merseyside in just a week.
Families across the region were torn apart as a man and a woman were found dead in their own homes within the space of a week. The first incident took place on Sunday, October 30 when police rushed to a house on Meadowbrook Road in Moreton, Wirral, at around 1.45am following reports of a shooting.
A second incident saw police scramble to Bridge Road in Litherland after reports of a man being stabbed in the chest. Later on Sunday, at around 4.35pm police were scrambled following reports of a teenager being stabbed on Devon Gardens, off Old Chester Road in Rock Ferry.
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A fourth incident saw a woman be rushed to hospital after being stabbed on South Boundary Road, near Knowsley Industrial Park, on Monday, October 31. The fifth act of violence came on Monday when a man was stabbed and suffered serious injuries to his legs and buttocks, after being assaulted by a gang of men.
Here are the most recent updates on all five incidents.
Jackie Rutter shot dead at home on Meadowbrook Road, Moreton
At 1.45am on October 30, police were called to an address in Moreton after they received reports a woman's body had been found. Jackie Rutter, a nan in her 50s, had been shot in the chest.
A large police cordon was put in place as parts of Meadowbrook Road were sealed off. Officers dressed in forensic clothing could be seen carrying out evidence searches outside a property on the road. At the time, a 79-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder and but has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
Merseyside Police confirmed the attack was targeted later in the week, with officers appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw a dark coloured vehicle, containing up to three individuals, in the area of Meadowbrook Road at the time of the shooting to come forward.
The suspicious car was later found burnt out on Garden Hey Road. Merseyside Police have now confirmed they are attempting to trace a Black Vauxhall Insignia, which they believe to have been involved.
The car was reportedly seen between 12.45am-1.15am on Sunday October 30. Police are keen to speak to anyone who saw this vehicle, or captured anything on dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath said: “Our thoughts and condolences remain with Jacqueline Rutter’s family who have been left distraught by this shocking crime.
“We are still treating this as a targeted incident and we are continuing to appeal to residents in the area. We believe at least two or three people were involved in this incident, and we are sure that information is out there to identify who they are, where they are, and where the weapon is.
“We now believe that a black Vauxhall insignia was driven near the property on Meadowbrook Road and was also seen on Birkenhead Road, Hoylake Road and Garden Hey Road between 12.45am–1.15am that Sunday morning. It is absolutely vital that anyone who lives in these roads and has any sort of CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage checks as a matter of urgency. The smallest detail could be the key to bringing those responsible to justice.
“If you have not already spoken to police but saw something suspicious at the time, please let us know. Similarly, I would ask taxi and delivery drivers if they were driving in the area between 12.45am and 1.15am and have dashcam footage to please contact police.
“If you haven’t already come forward, please contact us with anything you know to help us to get justice for Jacqueline’s family and put those responsible for this shocking incident before the courts.”
John Gibbons stabbed to death at a house on Bridge Road, Litherland
Merseyside Police were called to reports that Jonathan Gibbons was stabbed in the chest in a house on Bridge Road, Litherland on Sunday, October 30. The 50-year-old was rushed to hospital with a life-threatening injury at around 4.45am and died later that day.
A 42-year-old woman, from Litherland, was arrested shortly after the stabbing and later charged with murder. Joanne Moran appeared before Liverpool Crown Court earlier this week via video link to HMP Styal.
She was not asked to enter a plea and spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth during a 10-minute hearing. A four-day trial was scheduled for April 3 2023, with the 42-year-old mum remanded into custody by the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC ahead of a further appearance on January 19.
A post-mortem investigation confirmed that Mr Gibbons died as a result of his stab wound.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Caton said: "This was a tragic incident in which a man has sadly lost his life. An investigation is now underway, which is in the very early stages as we seek to establish what has happened which has led to this tragic incident."
Tributes have flooded in for Mr Gibbons, who was known as John and described as a "lovely man who always knew how to have a laugh". Friend Stephen Hollinshead said: "It is very hard to process.
"I have known him for a long time, since we were young. He had a soft heart and knew how to have a good time with friends.
"He was a good lad, a real gentle giant, and you could always talk to him about anything. It's just not going to be the same without him and nothing will replace him.
"He was a good friend and a good dad. He will never be for forgotten about."
Devon Gardens, Rock Ferry
A 19-year-old man took himself to hospital after being stabbed during an attack at around 4.35pm on Sunday, October 30. The victim is believed to have been assaulted in Devon Gardens, off Old Chester Road, near a car park for a block of flats.
People who live in the area reported seeing sniffer dogs and forensic officers searching for a weapon in the evening after the stabbing. Officers have confirmed that the victim's injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
It has been confirmed that a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of section 18 wounding with intent. He has since been released on conditional bail, pending further inquiries.
A spokesperson for Merseyside police said: "We have launched an investigation following reports a 19-year-old man was stabbed in Wirral. The teenager self-presented at hospital with an injury to his body at around 4.35pm yesterday, Sunday 30 th October. His injury is not believed to be life threatening.
"It is believed he was assaulted in Devon Gardens, Old Chester Road, Rock Ferry earlier in the day. An investigation is underway and CCTV, forensic and witness enquiries are being carried out in the local area.
"Anyone who can assist with the investigation is asked to DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 22000797349."
Knowsley Industrial Park, Kirkby
A woman, believed to be a QVC staff member, was stabbed in the back at work at the TV shopping giant's warehouse in Merseyside.
The victim, thought to be a security worker, was attacked by a man at Knowsley Industrial Park, on South Boundary Road. Police confirmed the stabbing took place at around 8.20am on the QVC warehouse site, on Monday, October 31.
A 62-year-old man was arrested a short time later and held in custody on suspicion of attempted murder. Detectives have now confirmed the man was sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
He was bailed with conditions pending further police enquiries. The woman who was attacked remains in hospital, where she was this morning described as being in a stable condition.
Yesterday, a spokesperson for Merseyside police said: "We can confirm that emergency services are on South Boundary Road in Knowsley following a stabbing in the area this morning. At around 8.20am officers received a report that a woman had been stabbed by a man on Knowsley Industrial Park.
"Emergency services attended and the woman has been taken to hospital to be treated for stab wounds to her back. A 62-year-old man from Liverpool was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in the area."
The ECHO contacted QVC for a comment but a spokesperson said they were unable to issue a statement due to it being a police matter.
Espin Street - Walton
A man was stabbed and suffered serious injuries to his legs and buttocks, after being assaulted by a gang of men. Police were called to the scene in an alleyway off Espin Street, Walton, at around 11.10pm, on Monday, October 31.
They found a man had been attacked and he was rushed to hospital for treatment for serious injuries. Detectives have confirmed that they are not believed to be life threatening.
A spokesperson for the force said: "We are appealing for information following a report of a serious assault in Walton last night, Monday 31st October. At around 11.10pm, we received a report that a man had been stabbed by a group of males in an alleyway off Espin Street.
"The victim sustained stab wounds to his legs and buttock. He was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries, which are believed to be serious, but not life threatening.
"We are in the early stages of an investigation and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 22000801398."
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