A woman who was shot dead at a Wirral pub on Christmas Eve has been described as a "beautiful angel" who had a "pure heart".
Moving tributes have been paid to Elle Edwards, 26, who was tragically gunned down while enjoying Christmas Eve night out with friends and family at the Lighthouse Pub in Wallasey Village.
At around 11:50pm on Christmas Eve, Ms Edwards was shot in the head and four others were injured when a gunman opened fire at the front of the popular pub. She was immediately rushed to Arrowe Park Hospital but sadly died as a result of her injuries.
Elle's family have not yet released a tribute to her, but provided photos of the girl who "made people happy inside".
In a police press conference held yesterday, an urgent appeal was made for information about the horrific events, with a dark-coloured Mercedes A-Class seen driving away from the scene shortly after the shooting. It's believed Elle was not the target of the attack.
READ MORE: Neighbour describes moments after fatal shooting as he watched from his window
Friends and colleagues have now paid tribute to 26-year-old Elle, who had worked at a Wirral beauty salon. Friend Britt Hughes posted a tribute on facebook, she said: "Christmas will never be the same again. Our gorgeous girl whose face made me so happy inside when she walked in the room, a girl who I couldn’t have been any more similar to.
"Shared so many amazing memories this summer with you and spoke to you non-stop, who am I gonna be in fits of laughter with on voice notes terrorising the world. You’ll be so missed my beautiful bestie."
Another close friend, Tyreece Hon said: "So last night this angel gained her wings and headed to the stars. You were always a big sister to me in my eyes and I can’t believe you’ve been taken from us so soon. My heart goes out to your family who took me in as a son, love you loads. Shine bright you crazy diamond."
A moving tribute was paid by the Nova Beauty studio in Moreton, Wirral, where the 26-year-old had worked. Posting on its Instagram page, the business said: "Absolutely lost for words. Heaven gained the most beautiful angel, we are all heartbroken, thinking of all of your family right now Elle, thank you for all of the laughs and happiness you brought into our lives, rest in paradise angel, love from your team at Nova."
Beautician Abi Coogan said her heart was broken, adding: "This doesn’t feel real, you have affected us all Elle, the biggest personality and the purest hear. Thank you for all of the laughs you brought me when I needed it the most, my heart hurts thinking of all of your family, love you forever, rest in paradise beautiful girl."
The Lighthouse Pub was busy at the time of the shooting on Christmas Eve. Some who were there on the night tried to help and administer CPR.
Posting on the Wallasey Gossip facebook page, one parent said: "This is just so tragic. My daughter was there giving CPR with another girl until help arrived. My heart goes out to the families." Others described the young woman as a "hero" and a "brave, selfless young lady" for her efforts on the night."
It was revealed yesterday that a 28-year-old man from Beechwood was fighting for his life in hospital after he was left in a critical condition in the same shooting incident, three other men also suffered injuries but none were thought to be life-threatening.
Speaking about the shocking incident, Detective Superintendent Sue Coombs: “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.
“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.”
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