Carl Russell death: Reward of £20k offered in cycling gunman hunt

Carl Russell, 27, had survived a previous attempt on his life

A £20,000 reward has been offered to help catch a killer who gunned down a man visiting his parents.

Prisoner Carl Russell, 27, was on day release when he was fatally shot by a cyclist whilst getting out of a car with his girlfriend in Liverpool in 2018.

Three people were arrested but no charges were brought.

Urging anybody with information to come forward, Det Ch Insp Jason Pye said: "Allegiances can change."

At the time of his death, Mr Russell was serving a sentence at HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington, Cheshire. Police have not confirmed what offence or offences he was in prison for.

Mr Russell was attacked in Cornwood Close, Belle Vale, at about 11:30 BST on 7 October, 2018.

He had survived a shooting eight years earlier.

Five years on, police want to speak to a man seen riding a bicycle in the area in a high-visibility orange jacket.

He is described as white, in his late 20s at the time, of medium build and dressed in black beneath the jacket.

Police are searching for a man seen riding a bicycle in the area at the time

Officers also want to trace the driver of a white 53 plate Nissan Primastar van and a taxi driver who might have overheard a conversation on the day about a van being involved.

Mr Russell's brother Chris said: "For us the one thing that's never truly sat right is the planning shown in this murder, as only a handful of people knew that Carl would be visiting his parents' home that Sunday morning.

"We've never got the answers to fill in the blanks to the questions we ask ourselves every day."

Mr Russell's mother Marie said: "My heart was ripped out that day. The emptiness and pain I feel every day. No parent should have to bury their child."

Mr Russell's sister Rebecca said: "It has left a huge hole in mine and my family's life, and I can see the devastation it has caused in my mum and dad so much.

"They have lost their love and enjoyment of life, and nothing will ever make them whole again but having some justice for my brother would help heal some of the hurt."

Mr Russell was visiting his parents when he was shot dead

The Crimestoppers reward will be paid for information that leads to the arrest, charge and conviction of anyone responsible for Carl's death.

The charity promises to keep informants' identities completely confidential.

Det Ch Insp Pye said: "I want to reassure Carl's family that Merseyside Police will not give up until those responsible are put before the courts.

"If anyone has any information to help the ongoing investigation, I urge them to please come forward as a matter of urgency."

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