A murder investigation has been launched after a woman was fatally shot near Liverpool on Christmas Eve.

Merseyside Police said officers were called to the Lighthouse Inn in Wallasey Village at about 23:50 GMT on Saturday.

Three men and the female victim were taken to hospital suffering gunshot wounds – the woman later died.

Det Supt Dave McCaughrean said the shooting happened at a “busy venue full of young people”.

He added: “We believe that the gunman left the pub car park in a dark coloured vehicle – possibly a dark coloured Mercedes shortly after the shooting.”

Merseyside Police said a “number of others” were also injured in the shooting.

Police say the woman’s next of kin have been informed and her family are being supported by specially trained officers.