Ellis Cox's family say 'our world is shattered' after teenager's murder

The devastated family of Ellis Cox said their "world is shattered and irreparable" following his murder.

The 19-year-old had gone out on a bike ride with friends before he was shot dead in Aintree last month. He was found with fatal gunshot injuries on the Liver Industrial Estate at around 11.10pm on Sunday, June 23.

After originally being treated by paramedics at the scene, he was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries. In a tribute issued today, July 3, Ellis's devastated family described him as the "best son and brother" who was "loved and adored by everyone who was lucky enough to meet him".

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The family said in a statement: "Ellis was making the most of a sunny day going on a bike ride with his friends. Ellis loved the outdoors and spent lots of time with his family fishing, quad biking and camping, and it was rare he went anywhere without a family member.

“He was the best son, brother, cousin, nephew, uncle, grandson and friend you could ever hope for and was fiercely loyal to us all. He was loved and adored by everyone who was lucky enough to meet him and spend time with him and our lives were so much richer for having him in it.

“Our world is shattered and irreparable: it will never be the same again. We pray that anyone with even the smallest piece of information will come forward. Please don’t feel anything is insignificant and let the police be the judge of that. We need to find who is responsible so please share any information you have with the police.”

In a press conference last week, Merseyside Police said Mr Cox had been with friends in Southport and then Ormskirk on the night of his death. Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Baker told the press conference that the teenager, who had borrowed a bike from a friend, was cycling near the industrial estate as part of a group of four or five males when he was shot.

DCS Baker added Mr Cox had spoken with his mum just moments before he was killed. The officer, who led enquiries into the death of schoolgirl Olivia Pratt-Korbel, said: "The family are devastated, and as you would expect, they need answers quickly and want justice...he was on his way home when he was shot. We know this because he called his mum and said 'I'm on my way home'."

Anyone who has information that may help the investigation into Ellis's murder is urged to contact police. The public can visit a dedicated police website to submit information or footage which can help in the investigation of Ellis’s murder: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/05MP23M53-PO1

You can also contact Merseyside Police via social media @MerPolCC or call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 24000554719.

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