Family of murdered Ellis Cox say they 'can't put into words' loss of teenager

A family member of murdered teen Ellis Cox said they 'can't put into words their loss' on a fundraising page set up to help with funeral costs.

Ellis, 19, was fatally shot on the Liver Industrial Estate in Aintree on the evening of Sunday, June 23. After being treated by paramedics at the scene, he was taken to hospital, where he died of his injuries.

The young man's family are said to be devastated by his death. At a press conference last week, Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Baker, who is leading the investigation for Merseyside Police, said: "Ellis was close to his family. We know his mum and dad are absolutely devastated by his murder, as are other family and friends in the area."

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A family member has set up a GoFundMe page in memory of Ellis and aims to raise money to cover the costs of the young man's funeral. Within hours of the page being launched, over £1,000 had been raised.

The fundraising page reads: "This fundraiser is in memory Ellis Cox and any funds raised will go to his Mum to help with funeral costs.

"It's hard to put into words what a loss this has been for our family and his friends, we would appreciate any donation that can help the family at such a difficult time."

According to Merseyside Police, Ellis spoke with his mum just minutes before he died. At last week's press conference, DCS Baker said: "The family are absolutely devastated, as you would expect, they need answers quickly and want justice. Ellis was only 19 years old. He was on his way home when he was shot. We know this because he called and said 'mum, I'm on my way home."

He added: "Ellis was close to his family. We know his mum and dad are absolutely devastated by his murder, as are other family and friends in the area."

Neighbours approached by the ECHO offered nothing but praise for Ellis. One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said he was a "lovely lad, a really good kid". She later added: "He was dead polite and friendly - always said hello and smiled. And he was hardworking. You'd see him going out to work early every morning."

A mum who knows Ellis's family personally said: "I just couldn't believe when I heard. None of the family has ever been in trouble. They're not like that. Everybody round here is devastated by what happened. They're a lovely family with really well brought up kids."

On Thursday, floral tributes to the teenager were laid near to where he was shot. Several bouquets of flowers were spotted tied to a blue railing on the Liver Industrial Estate near Taskers. A card was attached to the flowers with the words, 'there's a brand new star in heaven' written on it.

Ellis was reportedly with his friends when the incident happened. DCS Baker, who also led investigations into the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, said: "We know Ellis borrowed a bike to go to Southport. We believe that was his intention. We believe he got a train from Aintree train station, travelling towards Southport with friends.

"He then went to Ormskirk before riding home with the same group of friends, a group of four or five males, along an unnamed road near Taskers on the Liver estate near the Loop Line which would have taken him home. It's at that point he has been approached and shot."

Police are appealing for information from the friends who were with Ellis that night and might have information which could help the investigation. DCS Baker added: “It’s really important that Ellis’ friends who he was with come forward and assist us…they will be distressed and fearful and we will do everything we can to support them.”

Police said they are keeping an "open mind" on all lines of enquiry.

To donate to the GoFundMe page and help the family please click here.

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