The pub where a shooting took place has spoken out on the "tragedy beyond words".
Police have launched a murder investigation after a woman was killed in the incident on Saturday night. Officers were called at 11.50pm to reports of gunshots at the Lighthouse Inn on Wallasey Village.
The woman was taken to hospital with an injury consistent with a gunshot wound but died shortly after arriving. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
READ MORE: TVs left on and glasses discarded after Christmas Eve pub shooting where woman killed
Three other men were also admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds, while a number of others sustained injuries in the attack. Today, the Lighthouse Inn posted on Facebook following the incident.
Management sent their condolences to the woman's family and all who were injured and witnessed the tragic incident. The pub confirmed they will not be going ahead with Christmas bookings and are helping police with enquiries.
They 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. We are contacting everyone who had a booking with us to give a full refund. It is sadly too short notice for us to make any alternative arrangements for today but as well as the refund we will also offer a replacement Christmas meal in the New Year free of charge to everyone who was expecting to be with us today.
"We have provided the police with CCTV footage and our priority is supporting everyone who has been impacted. Take care everyone and please look after each other,
"The team at The Lighthouse."
Detectives said the pub was very busy and full of "young people" when the shooting occurred. Officers are combing through CCTV for leads. It is believed the gunman fled in a dark-coloured Mercedes.
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. I would ask anyone who was in the Lighthouse in Wallasey Village last night who witnessed the incident or has mobile or CCTV footage of what happened to contact us as a matter of urgency as they may have information which is vital to our investigation.
"We believe that the gunman left the pub car park in a dark coloured vehicle – possibly a dark coloured Mercedes shortly after the shooting and we are keen to hear from anyone who saw this to contact us immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1044 of Saturday 24 December.
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