“Our lives will never be the same again” Family of Ashley Dale who was shot dead in Old Swan have released this statement

The family of 28 year old Ashley Dale, who was tragically shot dead in Old Swan at the weekend, have issued the following statement.

“Ashley, our girl – our shining light. Our hearts are broken into a million pieces.

“Ashley was a hard working young woman, who had her entire life ahead of her.

“She had just been promoted at her job with Knowsley Council. She had a degree and so many plans for her bright future that had only just begun. Her laugh, smile and energy was infectious in any room.

“We can’t come to terms with how this would happen to a defenceless woman in her own home. None of this makes sense and our lives will never be the same again. A senseless crime that has torn a family apart. Justice needs to be brought.”

Officers were called just after 12.40am on Sunday to a house on Leinster Road and found Ashley in the rear garden of the property with injuries to her body consistent with gunshot wounds, the force said.

Medical treatment was administered at the scene, but she was taken to hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Merseyside Police have also shared a graduation picture of Ashley on behalf of her family. They have asked that their privacy is now respected in this difficult time.

Detectives continue to appeal for information as the investigation continues. Anyone with information, dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage can share this directly with the investigation team via the police public portal –  Public Portal (mipp.police.uk).

You can also make contact via social media @MerPolCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 22000615873.