Family ‘devastated and inconsolable’ after 26-year-old woman shot dead in pub on Christmas Eve

The family of a woman who died in a pub shooting on Christmas Eve are left “devastated and inconsolable” along with another man fighting for his life in a hospital.

A 26-year-old woman and four men were shot last night at around 11:50 pm at the Lighthouse Inn in Wallagee Village, Merseyside.

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All were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds before the woman was later sadly pronounced dead.

Metropolitan Police Investigator Sue Coombs added that the suspect opened fire from the front of the pub before driving in a darkened vehicle, presumably a Mercedes-Benz.

Police believe the woman who was shot in the head is not believed to have been targeted.

They also appealed to the public to help them catch those responsible for the shooting. This injured four others.

A 28-year-old man is in critical condition at the hospital, but officers said three others suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers confirmed that a 22-year-old man had a leg injury, a 24-year-old man had a hand injury, and a 33-year-old man had a wrist injury.

“Tragically, the victim, a 26-year-old woman, suffered a severe gunshot wound to the head,” Detective Superintendent Sue Coombs told a news conference.

“She was taken to Arrow Park Hospital and unfortunately died shortly thereafter.

“Her family has been informed and they are coming to terms with this tragic loss on what was supposed to be a day for their friends to celebrate.

“While the investigation is in the very early stages, we do not believe the victims of this incident have been targeted.

“She was enjoying Christmas with her sister and friends during what should have been a peaceful time.

“I can’t understand what her family is going through right now.”

In a statement, the pub called the shooting “an unspeakable tragedy” and said, “All our thoughts are with our customers’ friends and families, and our heartfelt sympathies are especially with those of our customers who lost their lives.

“We are completely shocked by this and expected to have many people for our Christmas meal, but unfortunately this is no longer possible.

The shooting was described as “heartbreaking” by Dame Angela Eagle, MP for the area.

She tweeted: “My thoughts are with the family of the dead woman and those injured. Anyone with information please let the police know.”

Merseyside Police Lieutenant Superintendent Dave McCourian said the pub was a “bustling venue full of young people” at the time of the shooting.

“The attacker is believed to have exited the pub’s parking lot in a dark car, presumably a dark Mercedes shortly after the shooting.”

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He appealed to anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.

“This investigation is at a very early stage and we understand that this is a truly shocking and devastating incident that happened just before Christmas.

“There are many police officers in Wallacey Village who are conducting extensive investigations to understand exactly what happened and to take immediate action.

“A woman tragically passed away at Christmas while several others were being treated in hospital. Our thoughts and condolences are with the families of the victims.”

Police said the woman’s family was being assisted by specially trained officers.

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