A Wirral church is to open its doors for a special afternoon of prayer for Elle Edwards, a beautician killed when a gunman opened fire at a crowd of revellers outside a local pub on Christmas Eve.
The Catholic Church of the Holy Apostles and Martyrs is inviting people of the area to visit between 2pm and 5pm on Saturday December 31 to pray for Miss Edwards, 26, who died at the Lighthouse Inn, Wallasey Village.
Police have made three arrests of two men and a woman on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, but have indicated that Miss Edwards was not the intended target of the gunman but an innocent victim of the violence.
A total of 12 shots were fired in quick succession, injuring four men as well as killing Miss Edwards. Media reports have connected the attack to a feud between local drugs gangs.
The murder has shocked the local community and prayers have been said at Holy Apostles and Martyrs’ Church on St George’s Road during Masses throughout the Christmas period.
Canon Philip Moor, the parish priest, now wants to give people of the area further opportunities to pray for Miss Edwards and her family.
Canon Moor said: “As we were celebrating the joy of the birth of Jesus we were extremely shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic shooting on Christmas Eve.
“The local community has been devastated by this terrible event. The Lighthouse pub is right at the heart of our community and my own niece and nephew were there, along with so many others at the time of the incident.
“The Lighthouse for many years has been the place to gather for our young people.
“This week we have been praying at our Masses for Elle and all those affected by the terrible shooting. We will continue to offer them our prayers and support.
“We will be opening Holy Apostles and Martyrs’ Church on Saturday, 31st December from 2-5pm for all in the local community to have an opportunity to come together and have some quiet time, light a candle and say a prayer or simply have a cuppa and a chat. All are welcome to join us.
“In this Christmas season we pray that the peace of Jesus is with us and all in our local community at this difficult time.”