Family and friends gather to pay respects to Elle Edwards in Wallasey
The 26-year-old was killed in a shooting on Christmas Eve
Last updated 25th Jan 2023
Family and friends of Elle Edwards have gathered in Wallasey for her funeral.
The 26-year-old beautician was killed in a shooting at the Lighthouse Inn on Christmas Eve, while she was out with her sister and friends. Since the beginning of the investigation, Merseyside Police have said they do not believe Elle was the intended target.
This lunchtime (Wednesday 25 January) hundreds of mourners attended St Nicholas Church, with the family then going to the Landican in Birkenhead for a private service.
The funeral cortege was led by a hearse with a floral tribute saying "Elle".
Ms Edwards' coffin was brought in a carriage pulled by four white horses.
It was carried into the church, with a floral display on top of it, by pallbearers including her father Tim.
The order of service included hymn Be Still for the Presence of the Lord and said a eulogy, Remembering Elle, would be given.
Mourners were asked for donations to the Elle Edwards Foundation in her memory.
In his first interview since her death, Elle's Dad, Tim Edwards told Sky News:
"She's the type of person that would walk into the room and everyone would gravitate towards her because she was always smiling.
"She was beautiful looking and she was a great hugger. She was just a fantastic human being with a heart of gold."
Following Elle's death, her sister Lucy posted on Instagram: ‘I miss you so much sis Elle May…you are and will always be my best friend, side kick, partner in crime, soul mate and big sister.
‘You are beautiful inside and out, you are the kindest person ever and you wanted nothing but the best for me.
‘I miss everything about you, especially our daily catch ups, our long drives, we’d blast the music and sing so loud that people in traffic would be laughing at us, but we were always in our own bubble and we didn’t care, and I will miss travelling and seeing new places with you.
‘I will cherish all of the amazing memories we have made, you will always be with me and I will make you proud!'
The Lighthouse pub was closed on Wednesday as a mark of respect
A statement on the pub's Facebook page said: "Elle and her family have remained very much in our thoughts over these past few weeks and even more so right now.
"May she rest in peace."
Connor Chapman, 22, has been charged with murdering Ms Edwards and is due to go on trial on June 7.
22-year-old Connor Chapman from Woodchurch has been charged with Elle's murder. He is due to appear in court again in April, with a trial expected to take place in June.