A heartbroken family have paid tribute to their "special daughter" who was shot dead in a pub on Christmas Eve.
Elle Edwards, 26, was enjoying a night out with friends when she was fatally shot in the head at the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village on December 24. The 26-year-old is not believed to have been the intended target of the attack, during which four men were also injured.
Police said a dark-coloured car, thought to be an A-Class Mercedes was seen driving away from the scene shortly after the shooting.
READ MORE : Heartbreak as 'presents for daughter sit unopened' after Christmas Eve shooting
Among those injured was a 28-year-old man from Beechwood who was described as being in a critical condition. A 22-year-old man also suffered an injury to his legs, a 24-year-old man sustained an injury to his hand and a 33-year-old man suffered an injury to his wrist.
Police remained at the scene of the murder investigation this Monday, December 26, as forensics focused their attention on the front of the pub where the gunman is believed to have opened fire.
Bouquets of flowers were left next to the police cordon as family, friends and strangers paid tribute to Ms Edwards. A heart shaped plaque was left at the scene to a "special daughter" who "will be remembered with love each and every day."
The message read: "Special daughter the happiness you brought in your own special way, will be remembered with love each and every day."
During a press conference at Merseyside Police headquarters, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims made an urgent appeal for information on the "callous and cold blooded shooting."
Det Supt Coombs 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 is so much harder to bear. Our specially trained family liaison officers are supporting the family at this tragic time and we are determined to find those responsible.
“The investigation is still in the early stages and we are trying to establish a motive and the circumstances surrounding this callous and cold blooded shooting.
“We believe the gunman fired shots at the front entrance to the pub. Minutes later a dark coloured car, possibly an A-Class Mercedes, was seen to leave the pub car park. We are particularly keen to speak to the driver of that car and ask anyone who may have seen it to contact us immediately.
“We will not rest until we find the people responsible for this shooting and I would appeal to anyone who has information or believes they captured something significant on their dashcam, doorbell camera or mobile phone to contact us.
“Our investigation will rely heavily on information we receive from the public and I urge members of the local community, who have any information which could help us, to get in touch so we can bring those responsible for the horrific murder of a young woman at Christmas to justice.”
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1044 of Saturday 24 December.
READ NEXT:
Woman, 26, shot dead outside Wirral pub is named
Heartbreak as 'presents for daughter sit unopened' after Christmas Eve shooting
Woman transforms former maternity hospital into 'dream' £1m home
