A "devastated" community has been invited to come together and pay their respects to Elle Edwards.
Elle, 26, was fatally shot at the Lighthouse Inn 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 in Wallasey have told the ECHO of their heartbreak following Elle's death, while floral tributes have built at the Lighthouse Inn in the days since. Now, the Catholic Church of the Holy Apostles and Martyrs in Wallasey will open its doors to give people a place to pray for Elle and her family, reflect and to spend time with others.
READ MORE: Mum's last text to daughters before Elle Edwards shot dead
Parish priest Canon Philip Moor, whose niece and nephew were in the Lighthouse at the time of the shooting, wants to give people of the area further opportunities to pray for Elle and her family. The church will be open between 2pm and 5pm on Saturday, December 31.
Canon Moor said: “As we were celebrating the joy of the birth of Jesus we were extremely shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic shooting on Christmas Eve. The local community has been devastated by this terrible event. The Lighthouse pub is right at the heart of our community and my own niece and nephew were there, along with so many others at the time of the incident. The Lighthouse for many years has been the place to gather for our young people.
“This week we have been praying at our Masses for Elle and all those affected by the terrible shooting. We will continue to offer them our prayers and support.
“We will be opening Holy Apostles and Martyrs' Church on Saturday, 31st December from 2-5pm for all in the local community to have an opportunity to come together and have some quiet time, light a candle and say a prayer or simply have a cuppa and a chat. All are welcome to join us.
“In this Christmas season we pray that the peace of Jesus is with us and all in our local community at this difficult time.”
Yesterday, a third person was arrested in connection with the murder. A 31-year-old man from Tranmere was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
Merseyside Police has 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 and they both remain in custody.
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