Man shot dead will be 'forever 19' as heartbroken tributes paid

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to a teenager who was fatally shot.

Merseyside Police launched a murder investigation on Monday, June 24 after confirming officers were called to the Liver Industrial Estate just after 11.10pm the previous night, Sunday, June 23. Officers arrived at the scene, close to Taskers, following a report from North West Ambulance Service paramedics who were treating a 19-year-old man.

When officers arrived they discovered the man, who has since been named as Ellis Cox, had been shot. He was taken to hospital but was confirmed to have died a short time later.

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The teenager's death has sent shockwaves across Merseyside, with hundreds of people paying tribute to Ellis online. Writing on the ECHO's Facebook page, Kerry Black said: "Omg he's only a child, my condolences to all his broken-hearted family and friends especially his parents. Sleep peacefully in the arms of the angels young man, forever 19."

Julie Mcsweeney said: "Thinking of all the family at such a sad time, sleep peacefully Ellis, forever 19-years-old." Beckie Campbell said: "Our precious boy I cant believe this is happening. I promise you I will look after your mum . We are all broken hearted."

Lucy Hopo added: "Our family is devastated at this news, such a great kid. Deepest sympathy to Ellis' mum, dad and family. Rest in peace Ellis."

Katy Teare said: "Oh my he's just a kid, looking at his picture is just heartbreaking. Deepest condolences to his parents and family. Rest in peace Ellis."

Lynda Howes added: "My deepest sympathy to Ellis family, why just why, fly high with the angels young man, rest in eternal paradise."

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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