20-year-old arrested on suspicion of murder after Kirkby shooting
36-year-old Rikki Berry was killed yesterday
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was shot dead in broad daylight in Kirkby last night.
Police were called at around 6.35pm after a report from North West Ambulance Service that a 36-year-old man had been shot on Quarryside Drive.
Police have now confirmed that he is Rikki Berry from Kirkby.
Officers attended and Rikki was taken to hospital by paramedics where he was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.
Rikki's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist family liaison officers.
A 20-year-old man from Kirkby has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cummings, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: “The arrest of this man is just one part of this process and the extent of his involvement will form part of our enquiries.
"I want to emphasise that this investigation is in its very early stages and extensive work is underway to find anyone who may have involved. It initially appears to have been a targeted shooting, carried out in broad daylight in view of witnesses, who will have understandably been left shocked and upset at what happened.
“Therefore, it remains absolutely vital that we hear from anyone who saw this incident, or has since heard anything about what happened. If you were in the area at around 6.35pm and witnessed the incident contact us now.
"If you live in the area, please check your CCTV, dashcam devices or doorbell footage urgently around this time and pass on anything which may assist. However small a detail you may think you hold, let us make the assessment.
“We have a dedicated page set up so that information reaches the investigation team directly, so please send information, images and footage to us via: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)
“Our thoughts and condolences remain with Rikki's family, who will now be supported by specialist officers as the investigation progresses."
Knowsley Local Policing Superintendent Karl Baldwin said: “The Kirkby community will see a lot of activity in the area today and I want to encourage people to speak to our officers.
"We understand that people are sometimes reluctant to speak to police, but be assured that we will deal with information sensitively and put necessary measures in place to support those who help, as well as providing highly visible policing in the area in the coming days. We will have a mobile police station in the Northwood area in the next week, so please speak to us.
“Gun crime causes devastation, as last night’s tragic events sadly show. We will do all we can to bring those responsible to justice, and remove weapons from those communities who suffer from the great harm that organised crime brings.”