Ashley Dale's family describe 'deep sadness' on what would have been her 30th birthday
The council worker was shot dead in her own home in Liverpool in August 2022
The family of Ashley Dale have spoken of the "deep sadness we feel today" as they mark what would have been her 30th birthday.
The Knowsley Council worker was shot dead in her own home in Old Swan, Liverpool in August 2022.
Earlier this year, four men were jailed for a total of 173 years for her 'brutal' and 'senseless' murder.
Ashley's family paid tribute to their daughter and sister in a statement released on Thursday:
“No words can describe the deep sadness we feel today. On what should have been a day full of happiness and celebrations.
“The past four weeks since the trial has ended, have probably been the worst yet. With lots of very down and low days, as we try and come to terms with the senseless loss of Ashley."
“As people continue with their lives, enjoying the festive period, birthdays and Christmas will never be same for us again. We have been left with a huge void, that will never be filled. With no real answer as to why our beautiful girl was cruelly taken from us.
“We won’t be celebrating today. Our heartbroken family will be getting together to remember the precious memories we have and cherish of Our Ash. Raising a glass to our beautiful girl, who is loved and missed beyond words every single day.”
Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cummings said: “Today, Ashley’s family should be gathered with her to mark her 30th birthday, singing to her, giving her gifts and looking forward to Christmas.
“Instead, they are left grieving her loss at such a tragically young age.
“This is the real impact of gun crime. The criminals who store, carry and so recklessly fire these weapons destroy the lives of many, leaving those left behind to go on with their lives without their loved one.
“No family should have to go through this, and Merseyside Police is committed to taking firearms out of circulation and bringing offenders to justice so that they don’t.
“We continue to ask for the support of the public to tell us where firearms are stored and who is using them so that other families do not experience the devastation Ashley’s have had to endure.”