There was an outpouring of emotion after a family's heartbreaking tribute to a young woman shot dead in her own home.
Ashley Dale, 28, was brutally murdered in Leinster Road, Old Swan, shortly after 12.30am on Sunday. Merseyside Police said she was not thought to be the intended target of the unknown "callous and mindless thugs" who forced open her front door.
Her heartbroken family paid tribute to the Knowsley Council civil servant in a moving statement issued via Merseyside Police. The family 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.
LIVE UPDATES: Schoolgirl shot dead and two others injured
"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."
These were some of the many comments left by ECHO readers after the family's tribute.
Ste Gowland said: "A lovely woman from a lovely family, thoughts are with you all at this horrific time, RIP."
Irene Vegas Murphy said: "Shocking, just shocking. Words fail me."
Joanne Hogan said: "Absolutely awful... in the prime of her life also! Heartbreaking."
Paula Durr said: "Thinking of you all so sad."
Amy King said: "Not even safe in your own homes now! Rip how sad."
Lynne Harrison said: "Heartbreaking, thoughts go out to her family."
Teresa Bates said: "God bless her family at this very difficult time .. Rest in peace Ashley."
Jenny Critchley said: "Her poor family, I don't know how you'd cope with going through this once but twice is horrific."
Janice Alty said: "I just can't begin to imagine how the parents are ever going to process this - it's beyond belief. Hope to god that they are getting all the support they need - RIP too young."
Tom Robinson said: "How sad and tragic for this young lady and her grieving family. She can never be brought back but let's hope the perpetrators are brought to justice soon and sentenced heavily for this abhorrent crime."
Nicola Jane said: "Heartbreaking for all her family, she's so beautiful."
Tracey Garner said: "This is so so sad, heartbreaking. Thinking of her family, can't even begin to think how they are feeling, just totally devastating."
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