A homicide investigation has been launched after a woman was shot dead near Liverpool on Christmas Eve.
Officers were called to the Lighthouse Inn in Wolsey Village at around 23:50 GMT on Saturday, Merseyside Police said.
Three men and the female victim were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds – the woman later died.
Det Supt Dave McCaughrean said the shooting happened in a “busy area full of young people”.
He added: “We believe the gunman left the pub car park in a dark-coloured vehicle – possibly a dark-coloured Mercedes shortly after the shooting.”
Merseyside Police said “several others” were injured in the shooting.
Det Supt McCaughrean appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident.
“This investigation is in its very early stages and we believe this is a truly shocking and devastating event that occurred just before Christmas Day,” he added.
“We have a number of officers in Wallasey Village who are carrying out extensive inquiries to understand what has happened and immediate action will be taken.
“A woman has tragically lost her life over Christmas while many people are in hospital and our thoughts and condolences are with the bereaved family.”
Police say the woman’s next of kin have been informed and her family is being assisted by specially trained officers.
