New image released in search for teen's killer

Ellis Cox is seen smiling as he stands in the driveway of his aunt's house in this black and white image. He is wearing a zipped raincoat and trousers. A car can be seen just to his right.Image source, Merseyside Police
Image caption,

Ellis Cox was shot at the Liver Industrial Estate in Aintree on 23 June

  • Published

Relatives have released a new image taken on the day 19-year-old Ellis Cox was murdered at a Merseyside industrial estate as the search for his killer continues.

The photo, captured on doorbell footage, shows Mr Cox outside his aunt's house on 23 June as he collected a bike at about 17:00 BST, before travelling to Southport.

Mr Cox was shot dead at the Liver Industrial Estate in Aintree, Sefton, at about 23:00 BST that day.

In a statement released by Merseyside Police, his family have said: "We are appealing for your help. Who took Ellis from us? We are still looking for answers and need Liverpool and our local community’s support now more than ever."

They continued: “This picture of Ellis was taken as he collected the bike from his aunt’s house, happy to be heading off on a bike ride on a lovely sunny day heading to Southport.

"Our beautiful Ellis. The pain does not get any easier and, if anything it’s harder, we are broken".

Image source, Handout
Image caption,

Mr Cox's family described him as a "gentle giant" they would miss forever

Four arrests have been made but nobody has yet been charged.

Police said that after collecting the bike he made his way to Aintree station where he met his friends. They believe the group then travelled towards Southport, with Mr Cox spending time in Ormskirk before cycling back home with the same group.

The statement urged anyone who might have seen anything at about 22:00 to 23:00 BST that day, including cyclists, delivery drivers and workers on the industrial estate, to contact police.

It specifically asks if anyone saw Mr Cox and four other boys on bikes on Long Lane by the church or by the Liver Industrial Estate.

Image source, Handout
Image caption,

Ellis Cox's family have been posting pictures and banners around the city

Mr Cox's family said they were continuing their 10,000 leaflet door-drop on Saturday.

The family said the leaflets would include the information needed to contact police, anonymously if necessary.

Det Ch Insp Steve McGrath, the senior investigating officer, said: “We remain as determined as ever to get justice for Ellis’s family."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, external, X, external, and Instagram, external. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk, external and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.