Ashley Dale's family tell of pain on 30th birthday

Ashley Dale was not the intended target of the shooting, a trial heard

The family of murdered Ashley Dale have told of their "deep sadness" on what would have been her 30th birthday - but said they were determined to cherish "precious memories".

Ms Dale was shot dead in her home in Liverpool by a gunman searching for her partner in a gangland feud.

Four people were jailed over the killing, including gunman James Witham.

Ms Dale's heartbroken family said they would raise a glass to "our beautiful girl" despite the sombre milestone.

In a joint statement, they said: "No words can describe the deep sadness we feel today on what should have been a day full of happiness and celebrations."

"The past four weeks since the trial has ended have probably been the worst yet. With lots of very down and low days, as we try and come to terms with the senseless loss of Ashley.

"As people continue with their lives, enjoying the festive period, birthdays and Christmas will never be same for us again.

"We have been left with a huge void that will never be filled. With no real answer as to why our beautiful girl was cruelly taken from us.

"We won't be celebrating today. Our heartbroken family will be getting together to remember the precious memories we have and cherish of Our Ash."

Relatives of Ashley Dale (right) said they would raise a glass to her on the sombre milestone

The prosecution at her murder trial described the 28-year-old's killing as "an execution".

Ms Dale's partner Lee Harrison had been the intended target of the shooting but was not home at the time.

It followed a feud over the theft of drugs which had been reignited at Glastonbury festival in June that year.

The family of Ashley Dale (pictured with her father) say they will raise a glass to "our beautiful girl"

Det Ch Insp Cath Cummings said: "Today, Ashley's family should be gathered with her to mark her 30th birthday, singing to her, giving her gifts and looking forward to Christmas.

"Instead, they are left grieving her loss at such a tragically young age."

"This is the real impact of gun crime. No family should have to go through this."

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