Police name man shot dead in Merseyside as Rikki Berry, 36

A man shot dead in broad daylight in Merseyside has been named as 36-year-old Rikki Berry.

A 20-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remained in custody, police said.

Merseyside police received a report at 6.35pm on Wednesday from the North West ambulance service that a man had been shot in Kirkby.

Officers attended and the man was taken to hospital by paramedics where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

DCI Cath Cummings, the senior investigating officer, appealed for anyone with information to come forward. “It initially appears to have been a targeted shooting, carried out in broad daylight in view of witnesses, who will have understandably been left shocked and upset at what happened,” she said.

“Therefore it remains absolutely vital that we hear from anyone who saw this incident, or has since heard anything about what happened. If you were in the area at around 6.35pm and witnessed the incident contact us now.

“If you live in the area, please check your CCTV, dashcam devices or doorbell footage urgently around this time and pass on anything which may assist. However small a detail you may think you hold, let us make the assessment.”

Berry is the sixth victim of a fatal shooting in Merseyside in less than two years and the attack comes after 19-year-old Ellis Cox was shot dead on an Aintree industrial estate on 23 June.

Two teenagers arrested on suspicion of Cox’s murder have been conditionally bailed.

On Wednesday, Cox’s family paid tribute to their “exceptional son” who had “so much to live for”, adding: “Bad things do happen to good people.”

After the latest shooting, a senior officer said police would be “relentless” in their pursuit of those involved. The force said Berry’s next of kin had been informed and would be supported by specialist officers.

A police cordon is in place at the scene and house-to-house inquiries are being conducted along with examination of CCTV footage.

Local people told the Liverpool Echo that they did not associate their street, which is opposite Liverpool FC’s Axa training centre, as a place of crime and violence. One said: “It’s mad because there’s not much trouble here, ever. It’s opposite a pensioners’ estate and this road is full of families and kids.”

Another person told the Echo: “We’ve had bad shootings here in the past but all the gun crime had settled down recently. But it’s blowing up again now. It’s scary. And I’m sad, because we’ve got a good community here.”

Police said high-visibility patrols had been stepped up to reassure the community.

Det Supt Mark Drew called the shooting an “appalling and tragic incident” and appealed for witnesses to come forward. He added: “There is no room for guns on the streets of Merseyside and we will do everything within our power to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“My message to those involved in gun crime and serious organised crime is clear – Merseyside police will never rest, we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved.

“Information from the public is vital if we are to break down the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward. I completely understand that speaking up could be daunting, but when people are willing to support the police we will ensure every possible avenue is progressed to protect them.”

He said if people did not feel comfortable coming directly to the police they could call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. “We need to know who is involved in gun crime and where those guns are being stored.”