Wallasey shooting victim named as 26-year-old beautician Elle Edwards

Ms Edwards was with her sister and friends when she was killed just after 11.50pm on Christmas Eve at the Lighthouse Inn in Wallasey Village in Wirra.

Police were called to the scene just before midnight, with a neighbor saying they assumed the gunfire was celebratory fireworks for the festive season.

Police said they believe the gunman fired at the front entrance of the pub and that minutes later a dark-colored vehicle “possibly a Class A Mercedes” was seen exiting the car park.

Merseyside Police said they do not believe the shooting was targeted.

Employees at Ms Edward’s workplace, Moreton-based beauty salon Nova Studio, said they were “absolutely speechless” after her death.

Four men were injured in the incident, one in critical condition and the other three believed to have no life-threatening injuries.

Police said a 28-year-old man from Beechwood in Wirral is in critical condition.

The other three injured are a 22-year-old man, also from Beechwood, who has leg injuries, a 24-year-old man from Wallasey with a hand injury and a 33-year-old man who sustained a wrist injury.

Nova Studio wrote on Instagram, adding: “Heaven has won the most beautiful angel. We are all heartbroken and thinking of your entire family, Elle.

“Thank you for all the laughs and happiness you brought into our lives, rest in paradise angels, love from your team at Nova.”

Ms Edwards’ family was left “devastated” and “heartbroken” by her death, police said in their appeal to the public for information.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 22000948723.