A woman described as a "beautiful soul" was celebrating Christmas Eve at a pub with friends and sister when she was shot dead as tributes pour in.
BREAKING: Two arrested for murder over shooting of innocent beautician in pub on Christmas eve
Named locally as beautician Elle Edwards, 26, she worked at the Nova Hair and Beauty Studio in the Wirral as a makeup artist.
And the heartbroken parents of the innocent young woman have now left a tragic tribute to their daughter at the scene of her senseless killing, calling her the "light of my life", after providing photos of the girl who "made people happy inside".
A gunman opened fire near the front entrance of the pub, police said, in what is believed to be a drive-by shooting at the Lighthouse Inn in Wallasey Village, Wirral on Christmas Eve.
Another four men suffered gunshot wounds, with one left fighting for his life in hospital, after the woman had been out enjoying her night with her sister and friends at the time.
Police said the attacker drove off in a dark car believed to be an A-Class Mercedes, driven by a male driver.
Elle's disconsolate dad, Tim Edwards, led family and friends in adding to the sea of flowers at the scene of the shooting on Boxing Day.
A tribute left by her parents reads: "To my beautiful Elle, you are the light of my life, you will never be gone."
Friend Tyreece Hon paid tribute to her as a "big sister" and expressed his heartbreak at the news on her family.
Writing on Facebook, Tyreece said: "My heart goes out to your family who took me in as a son love you loads. Shine bright you crazy diamond."
Heartbroken friends said they were lost for word as tributes poured in saying "heaven has gained an angel".
Others said: "May she rest in peace" and they "couldn't believe" she was gone.
Tributes reading "RIP angel" and "so sad, beautiful girl" have been posted across social media.
Another tribute read: "Far too beautiful for this cruel cruel world, head to them stars Elle."
One person posted: "Absolutely heartbreaking, not stopped thinking of Elle and her family and friends all day."
Multiple tributes spoke of how Elle would always make them laugh and one woman commented she "can hear her laugh just thinking of her."Others offered support to her bereaved friends and called her a "lovely girl" and a "beautiful soul inside and out."
Friend Taylor Southern said on Facebook: "She was one of the most beautiful girls in Wallasey inside and out... I hope you're shining beautifully up there."
Detective Superintendent Sue Coombs said the devastated family is being assisted by "specially trained family liaison officers ."
She said: "No family should have to be faced with this ordeal at any time but at Christmas, which should be a time of peace and celebration, it makes it so much harder to bear."
In a statement on Christmas Day, the pub said: "Last night there was a tragedy beyond words in our pub’s car park. All our thoughts are with the friends and family of our customers and in particular our hearts go out to the family of our customer who has lost her life.
"We are completely shocked by this and are also truly sorry that we can no longer go ahead with our Christmas Day bookings today."
The statement continued: "We have provided the police with CCTV footage and our priority is supporting everyone who has been impacted."
Yesterday morning forensics officers were on the scene and the pub was closed off, with detectives spending their Christmas Day trying to track down the killer.
Detective Superintendent Dave McCaughrean said: "This investigation is in the very early stages and we understand that this is a truly shocking and devastating incident that has happened just before Christmas Day in a busy venue full of young people.
“We have a number of officers at Wallasey Village who are carrying out extensive enquiries to understand exactly what has taken place and take immediate action.
“A woman has tragically lost her life at Christmas whilst several people are being treated in hospital and our thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s family."
At a press conference yesterday afternoon, Coombs said that a 28-year-old man from Beechwood was fighting for his life in hospital as three others, aged 22, 24, and 33, were injured as well.
DS Coombs said: “Tragically the victim, a 26-year-old woman had suffered a serious gunshot injury to her head. She was taken to Arrowe Park hospital but sadly passed away shortly afterwards.
“Her family have been informed and on today, which should be a day with friends celebrating, they are coming to terms with this tragic loss.
“It’s very early stages of the investigation but we do not believe that the victim in this case has been targeted.
“She was out enjoying Christmas with her sister and friends at what should have been a peaceful time.
“What her family are now going through is incomprehensible.”
Also at the press conference, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the response from people present at the shooting was 'overwhelming' as they came forward with information.
But officers are still calling for anyone with any information related to the shooting to come forward.
They also labelled the shooting 'callous' and throughout yesterday police have scoured the scene, with forensic officers investigating.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy wrote on Twitter : "This despicable activity has led to the tragic death of a woman & injured three others. Our thoughts are with all the family & friends of those involved."
One mum posted on Facebook : "My daughter had just left 2 mins before and said she had never seen the pub so busy."
Wallasey MP Dame Angela Eagle said the incident was "heartbreaking" and appealed for anyone with information to contact police.
She tweeted: "This is heartbreaking news - My thoughts are with the family of the woman who has died & those who are injured. Anyone with any information please tell the police."
Local Jenny Hough, 77, told of her shock when she heard what had happened at the nearby pub.
She said: "I heard the shots, I thought it was a firework actually because it was nearly midnight. I just thought it was people celebrating midnight on Christmas Day."
On waking to the news of a fatality and multiple injuries, Ms Hough said: "I couldn't believe it, when I looked outside I thought 'oh crikey'. It's a complete shock.
"My sister's garden had been broken into. We suspect it was people trying to get out of the pub and trying to climb over the wall and into her garden to get out."
Ms Hough said she had heard the pub was had been "so crowded" that evening.
She described tight security in the area on Christmas Day morning.
She said: "I've got people here opening their presents at the moment and they've all had to give their names and addresses and everything to the police before they could come in."
