Ellis Cox's former college release statement after he was shot dead

Ellis Cox's former college has paid tribute to the "popular" teen after he was shot dead on Monday.

Police were called to the Liver Industrial Estate, close to Taskers in Aintree, just after 11.10pm on Sunday, June 23 following a report from paramedics, who were treating a man at the scene. When officers arrived, they discovered the man had been shot.

He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later. The victim has now been named as 19-year-old Ellis Cox.

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Following the news of the death, Ellis's former college paid tribute to the 'popular' man. Archbishop Beck Catholic College, based on Long Lane, told the ECHO: "The whole college community are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Ellis.

"Ellis was a popular boy within our college community, who was very personable. He had a warm sense of humour and was respected by fellow students and staff. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to his family at this tragic and testing time."

Merseyside Police remain at the scene of the shooting with a cordon in place and several police officers. A mobile police station is also there and blue tarpaulin can be seen near the Liverpool Loop Line entrance.

High visibility patrols have increased in the area with forensic examinations and CCTV enquiries continuing. Head of the investigation Mark Baker said: "This was an appalling and tragic incident in which a young man has lost his life, and our thoughts first and foremost are with his family, who are trying to come to terms with his loss.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen him to come forward as their information could be vital. Whilst this happened on an industrial estate, there are residential homes nearby and I would urge anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area, or who heard anything, to come forward so we can give his family answers and bring his killer or killers to justice.

“I would appeal to any motorists who may have captured footage on their dashcam to come forward even if it appears to be innocuous.

“It could prove vital to our efforts to deliver justice for this young man and his family. It is essential that people with information, no matter how small, to please contact us as it might be vital to the investigation.

“Gun violence has taken too many young lives here in Merseyside. While the last 12 months saw the lowest number of firearms discharges in more than two decades, our efforts to take weapons off the streets and put those thoughtless enough to use them in jail will never stop.

“Every day our officers are carrying out warrants, open land searches and stop and searches to remove guns and other weapons from our streets. We target all available resources in the right areas to remove weapons and those who use them and work daily alongside our partners and in communities affected by gun crime.

“Incidents such as this are a tragic reminder of why we must continue with that work – gun crime can tear families apart and ruin many more lives than the victim alone.

“If you have any information at all on this incident, please call 101, DM @MerPolCC or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 1121 of 23 June. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress."

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