Second man shot during murder of Ellis Cox - police

Ellis Cox was found critically injured by gunshot wounds on the Liver Industrial Estate in Aintree

A second man was shot during the murder of Ellis Cox, police have confirmed.

Merseyside Police said two people were arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into the death of a 19-year-old, who was fatally shot at the Liver Industrial Estate in Aintree on 23 June, just after 22:10 BST.

The investigation has also established that a second man, 19, was shot in the foot during the same incident after he self-presented at hospital. He has since been discharged.

A 34-year-old man from Liverpool has been arrested on suspicion of murder and possession of a firearm without a certificate while a 61-year-old man from Huyton has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

The force said the teenager had borrowed a bicycle from a family member and made his way to Aintree station where he met the friends

The 61-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled Class B drug (cannabis) and possession of a firearm without a certificate.

In a tribute Ellis Cox's family described him as "the best son, brother, cousin, nephew, uncle, grandson and friend you could ever hope for", adding he was "fiercely loyal to us all".

Earlier this month an 18-year-old man and a boy, 17, were released on conditional bail pending further enquiries after being arrested on suspicion of murder.

The force said they are urging anyone with information about the shooting, which took place as he made his way through the industrial estate after a day out in Southport, to come forward.

The force said the teenager had borrowed a bicycle from a family member at about 17:00 BST and made his way to Aintree station where he met the friends.

Police believe the group then travelled towards Southport and Mr Cox spent time in Ormskirk before cycling back home with the same group.

Friends who were with a 19-year-old victim when he was killed have been urged by detectives to find the "courage" to come forward and help the investigation.

Det Ch Insp Steve McGrath said: "Our investigation is making progress and I want to thank the community for the information they have provided to us so far.

"We’re continuing to appeal for any information from anyone who is yet to come forward, the smallest detail of which could be vital to our inquiries."