Woman killed in Christmas Eve shooting near Liverpool
Police were called to Lighthouse Inn just before midnight
A murder investigation has been launched after a woman died and multiple people were injured in a shooting incident near Liverpool, police said.
Merseyside Police said officers were called to the Lighthouse Inn in Wallasey Village, Wallasey around 11.50pm on Saturday following reports of gunshots.
A young woman was taken to hospital with an injury consistent with a gunshot wound and later died, police said.
Three men were also taken to hospital with gunshot wounds and a number of others were injured in the incident.
In a statement, the pub confirms the shooting took place in its car park.
"All our thoughts are with the friends and family of our customers and in particular our hearts go out to the family of our customer who has lost her life," a spokesperson for the Lighthouse Inn said.
"We are completely shocked by this and are also truly sorry that we can no longer go ahead with our Christmas Day bookings today.
"We are contacting everyone who had a booking with us to give a full refund."
Everyone who was due to be at the Inn on Christmas Day will be offered a replacement Christmas meal in the New Year, free of charge.
"We have provided the police with CCTV footage and our priority is supporting everyone who has been impacted," the statement continues.
"Take care everyone and please look after each other."
Detective Superintendent David McCaughrean said: "This investigation is in the very early stages and we understand that this is a truly shocking and devastating incident that has happened just before Christmas Day in a busy venue full of young people.
"We have a number of officers at Wallasey Village who are carrying out extensive enquiries to understand exactly what has taken place and take immediate action.
"A woman has tragically lost her life at Christmas whilst several people are being treated in hospital and our thoughts and condolences are with the victim's family.
"I would ask anyone who was in the Lighthouse in Wallasey Village last night who witnessed the incident or has mobile or CCTV footage of what happened to contact us as a matter of urgency as they may have information which is vital to our investigation.
"We believe that the gunman left the pub car park in a dark coloured vehicle - possibly a dark coloured Mercedes shortly after the shooting and we are keen to hear from anyone who saw this to contact us immediately."
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy's tweeted a personal appeal for information about the incident.
Local football club Ashville has shared a statement on social media, saying the shooting has sent "shockwaves" throughout the community.
"This senseless act was carried out at a packed out, popular local venue, filled with people of all ages and backgrounds on an evening that was supposed to be about community, giving, celebration and happiness," the statement reads.
"Unfortunately it turned into a night of tragedy, heartbreak, fear and confusion thanks to a few moments of madness of one individual."
They continue that incidents like this "have been all too common in Merseyside this year.
"Guns have no place on our streets and there is NEVER an excuse for using a firearm to inflict pain and suffering on anyone," the club says.
"We urge anyone with information that may assist the police with their enquires to contact Merseyside Police as a matter of urgency."
North Wallasey church Holy Apostles special prayers at Christmas morning mass were done for the victims of the shooting, while Labour MP for Wallasey Angela Eagle has also commented.
"This is heartbreaking news - My thoughts are with the family of the woman who has died & those who are injured," she has written on Twitter.
"Anyone with any information please tell the police."