New picture shows Liverpool murder victim smiling just hours before his death
Ellis Cox was shot in Aintree earlier this year
A new photo has emerged of a murder victim smiling just hours before he was fatally shot in Liverpool.
Ellis Cox - who was 19 - was killed in Aintree on Sunday 23 June - by an unknown group on the Liver Industrial Estate.
Just hours before his death, he can be seen collecting a bike from his aunt's house in Southport.
He had no known connections to criminality, and was not the target of the shooting, which may be linked to a dispute between rival gangs.
His family said: “This picture of Ellis was taken as he collected the bike from his aunt’s house, happy to be heading off on a bike ride on a lovely sunny day heading to Southport.
"Even though he was out, he contacted all his cousins that day just checking in to see if they were okay.
"It was just like Ellis to do this. He was so kind and loved his family so much."
Police are continuing an appeal for information, and banners with Ellis's picture are on display in Walton and Aintree.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: “We remain as determined as ever to get justice for Ellis’s family.
“The investigation into his murder is making progress and we have made four arrests so far, but as yet no one has been charged.
We continue to appeal for information, no matter how small, which could be vital to our enquiries.
I would urge anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area, or who heard anything, to come forward so we can bring his those involved in his murder to justice.
“There would have been cyclists in the area at that time, including food delivery staff, who use the loop line, and I would urge those who saw something that will help with our enquiries to please come forward.
“I would appeal to residents nearby and motorists who were in the vicinity at that time to please check your CCTV, doorbell or dashcam for any footage which may have captured activity that may be vital to the investigation.”