Family 'devastated & inconsolable' after woman, 26, shot dead inside pub on Christmas Eve - as anoth

THE family of a woman killed in a pub shooting on Christmas Eve have been left "devastated and inconsolable" with another man fighting for his life in hospital.

The woman, 26, and four men were shot at the Lighthouse Inn in Wallasey Village, Merseyside, around 11.50pm on December 24.

They were all rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds, before the woman was later sadly pronounced dead.

Detective superintendent Sue Coombs added the alleged gunman fired shots through the front of the pub before making off in a dark vehicle, possibly a Mercedes Benz.

Cops believe that the woman, who was shot in the head, is not thought to have been targeted.

They have made a further appeal to the public to assist them in catching those responsible for the shooting, which also left four others injured.

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A 28-year-old man is in a critical condition in hospital while cops said three others sustained non life-threatening injuries.

Officers confirmed a 22-year-old man received leg injuries, a 24-year-old man sustained a hand injury, and a 33-year-old man suffered an injury to his wrist.

Detective superintendent Sue Coombs told a news conference: "Tragically the victim, a 26-year-old woman, had suffered a serious gunshot injury to her head.

"She was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital but sadly passed away shortly afterwards.

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"Her family have been informed and on today, which should be a day with friends celebrating, they are coming to terms with this tragic loss.

"It's very early stages of the investigation, but we do not believe that the victim in this case has been targeted.

"She was out enjoying Christmas with her sister and friends at what should have been a peaceful time.

"What her family are now going through is incomprehensible."

The pub has called the shooting "a tragedy beyond words" in a statement, adding: "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.

"We are completely shocked by this and were expecting to host a number of people for Christmas Day meals, but sadly this is no longer possible."

While the shooting was described as "heartbreaking" by the area's MP, Dame Angela Eagle.

She tweeted: "My thoughts are with the family of the woman who has died and those who are injured. Anyone with any information please tell the police."

Dept Supt Dave McCaughrean of Merseyside Police earlier said the pub was a "busy venue full of young people" at the time of the shooting.

He added: "We believe that the gunman left the pub car park in a dark coloured vehicle - possibly a dark coloured Mercedes shortly after the shooting."

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He appealed for anyone with information on the shooting to come forward.

He 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.

"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.

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"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."

Cops said the woman's family is being supported by specially-trained officers.

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