The man shot will be “forever 19”, as heartbroken tributes have been paid

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

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

When officers arrived, they found the man, who has since been identified as Ellis Cox, had been shot. He was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.

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The teenager’s death 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 baby, condolences to his heartbroken family and friends, especially his parents. Rest in peace in the arms of the angels young man, forever 19.”

Julie Mcsweeney said: “Thinking of all the family at such a sad time, rest in peace Ellis, forever 19 years.” Beckie Campbell said: “Our precious boy, I can’t believe this is happening. I promise I’ll take care of your mother. We are all heartbroken.”

Lucy Hopo added: “Our family is devastated by this news, such a great baby. Deepest condolences to Ellis’ mom, dad and family. Rest in peace, Ellis.”

Katy Teare said: “Oh he’s just a baby, looking at his picture is just heartbreaking. Deepest condolences to his parents and family. Rest in peace, Ellis.”

Lynda Howes added: “Deepest sympathy to the Ellis family, why, fly high with the angels young man, rest in eternal paradise.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Baker said: “This was a horrific and tragic incident in which a young man lost his life and our thoughts are first and foremost with his family as they try to come to terms with their loss.

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

“I would appeal to any drivers who may have captured footage on their dash cam to come forward, even if it appears to be harmless.

“It could prove vital to our efforts to bring justice to this young man and his family. It is essential that people with information, however small, contact us as it could be vital to the investigation.

“Gun violence has taken too many young lives here in Merseyside. While the past 12 months have seen the lowest number of firearm discharges in more than two decades, our efforts to take guns off the streets and put those reckless enough to use them in prison have not they will never stop.

“Every day our officers execute warrants, conduct strip searches and stop and frisk to take guns and other weapons off our streets. We target all available resources in the right areas to eliminate guns and those who use them, and we work daily with our partners and in communities affected by gun crime.

“Incidents like this are a tragic reminder of why we must continue this work – gun crime can tear families apart and destroy far more lives than just the victim alone.

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

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