Knowsley Council share statement after 'extremely popular' Ashley Dale shot dead in back garden

Ashley Dale, an Environmental Health officer at Knowsley Council, was shot in her back garden in Old Swan, Liverpool, in the early hours of Sunday, August 21.

The 28-year-old was treated at the scene but died in hospital a short time later.

Detectives believe that the incident was a targeted attack but that Ms Dale was "innocent" and not the intended victim.

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Police at the scene in Old Swan (Pic: PA) (Image: PA)

Mike Harden, Chief Executive at Knowsley Council, said: “Everyone at Knowsley Council is extremely saddened at the news of Ashley’s untimely and tragic death.  

"Ashley will be a big loss to her team and the wider Council as well as those Knowsley residents who she supported.

"She was extremely popular with everyone who she came into contact with.

“Ashley had worked at the Council for almost five years and was progressing well in her career, having only recently secured a promotion within our Environmental Health team.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with Ashley’s family, friends, and colleagues at this extremely sad time.

"We are offering support to colleagues who are understandably shocked and upset at this news.”

An investigation is currently underway to establish the circumstances of what happened, as house to house and CCTV enquiries have been carried out in the area.

Detective Superintendent Mark Baker said: “A woman has tragically lost her life and I want the public to be reassured that we will do everything we can to find who is responsible and bring them to justice."

Anyone with information, dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage can share this directly with the investigation team via the police public portal here.

You can also contact the police via social media at @MerPolCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 22000615873.