A murder investigation is under way after a woman was fatally shot at a Merseyside village pub on Christmas Eve.

She and three men were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds after the incident at the Lighthouse Inn in Wallasey Village on the Wirral shortly after 11.50pm.

The woman was later pronounced dead, and her family are being supported by specially trained officers.

Police said a number of other people were also injured.

A cordon has set up in the area while officers speak to witnesses and examine CCTV footage.

Detective Superintendent Dave McCaughrean said: “This investigation is in the very early stages, and we understand that this is a truly shocking and devastating incident that has happened just before Christmas Day in a busy venue full of young people.

“We have a number of officers at Wallasey Village who are carrying out extensive enquiries to understand exactly what has taken place and take immediate action.

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“A woman has tragically lost her life at Christmas whilst several people are being treated in hospital, and our thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s family.

“I would ask anyone who was in the Lighthouse in Wallasey Village last night who witnessed the incident or has mobile or CCTV footage of what happened to contact us as a matter of urgency as they may have information which is vital to our investigation.

“We believe that the gunman left the pub car park in a dark coloured vehicle – possibly a dark coloured Mercedes, shortly after the shooting, and we are keen to hear from anyone who saw this to contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1044 of Saturday 24 December.