Messages of support and condolence have been sent to the friends and family of Ashely Dale.
On the day when she will be laid to rest, mourners have paid tribute to the Knowsley Council worker, who was described by her boss as a "rising star." The 28-year-old was shot dead when a gunman forced open the front door of her house in Leinster Road, Old Swan, in the early hours of Sunday, August 21.
Emergency services carried out CPR at the scene but Miss Dale was pronounced dead a short while later in Royal Liverpool Hospital. Police said they believe she was not the intended victim of the gun attack and that the suspect fired multiple shots "indiscriminately."
READ MORE: Ashley Dale's funeral as city pays respects to murdered 'rising star'
Today, on the day of her funeral, Tuesday, September 20, tributes have been paid to the "hard working young woman."
Merseyside's Police Commissioner added a tribute on Twitter, Emily Spurrell said: "My heart goes out to the family, friends and loved ones of Ashley Dale as they lay her to rest today. Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences on this difficult day." While taking to Facebook to express their condolences on the Liverpool ECHO page, John Keatley commented: "RIP. Such a sad loss of an innocent life."
Kayleigh Elizabeth Crowe said: "Your family and friends are going to give you the best send off ash, can't believe the day has come, this shouldn't be happening, thinking of all your amazing family and friends, gbnf (gone but not forgotten) Ash."
Stacey Green commented: "RIP sunshine you will be missed by many." A third, Colette Meaney added: "Sad day for her and her family and friends thinking of the family friends and everyone who knew Ashley." While Nicole Patino said: "Thinking of all the Dale family today as they take their Ashley to her resting place. May God guide you on your way, sleep tight."
Previously, Leader of Knowsley Council, Councillor Graham Morgan said: "The council lost a rising star when she was tragically and senselessly killed."
He added: "Myself and Councillor Powell have met with Ashley’s team and it goes without saying they are absolutely devastated by her loss. Ashley had been involved in supporting many elected members, all of whom have commented on how positively she approached her work and how very supportive she was."
Miss Dale's family described her as a "hard working young woman" in a statement issued via Merseyside police after her death. They said: "Ashley, our girl – our shining light. Our hearts are broken into a million pieces. Ashley was a hard working young woman, who had her entire life ahead of her.
"She had just been promoted at her job with Knowsley Council. She had a degree and so many plans for her bright future that had only just begun. Her laugh, smile and energy was infectious in any room.
"We can’t come to terms with how this would happen to a defenceless woman in her own home. None of this makes sense and our lives will never be the same again. A senseless crime that has torn a family apart. Justice needs to be brought."
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