A woman has been shot dead and three men have been hospitalised after a shooting at a pub in Wallasey.
Police were called just after 11.50pm on Christmas Eve to the Lighthouse Inn in Wallasey Village following reports of gunshots.
A murder investigation has been launched by Merseyside Police and the woman’s next of kin have been informed.
A number of others were also injured in the shooting near Liverpool and the area has been cordoned off as officers carry out enquiries.
A neighbour who heard the gunshots said she assumed they were celebratory Christmas fireworks and “couldn’t believe” the news.
Jenny Hough, 77, told the PA news agency: “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.”
“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,” she added.
A spokesperson for the Lighthouse pub said the shooting was “a tragedy beyond any words”.
In a statement, they said: “This is a tragedy beyond any words. 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.
They have now closed the pub for Christmas Day despite bookings and will be refunding customers as well as offering free, replacement meals for New Years.
“We have provided the police with CCTV footage and our priority is supporting everyone who has been impacted,” they added.
The shooter is still at large and Merseyside Police are asking anyone with information to contact them as soon as possible.
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,” he continued.
“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 being asked to message @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1044 of Saturday 24 December.
