DETECTIVES have named a man who was shot dead in Knowsley this week.

Rikki Berry, aged 36 and from Kirkby, was gunned down on Quarryside Drive, Kirkby on Wednesday evening in broad daylight.

A 20-year-old man from Kirkby has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody at the time of writing.

Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cummings, the senior investigating officer, said: “The arrest of this man is just one part of this process and the extent of his involvement will form part of our enquiries.

"I want to emphasise that this investigation is in its very early stages and extensive work is underway to find anyone who may have involved.

"It initially appears to have been a targeted shooting, carried out in broad daylight in view of witnesses, who will have understandably been left shocked and upset at what happened.

“Therefore, it remains absolutely vital that we hear from anyone who saw this incident, or has since heard anything about what happened.

"If you were in the area at around 6.35pm and witnessed the incident contact us now. If you live in the area, please check your CCTV, dashcam devices or doorbell footage urgently around this time and pass on anything which may assist.

"However small a detail you may think you hold, let us make the assessment.

“We have a dedicated page set up so that information reaches the investigation team directly, so please send information, images and footage to us via: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) “Our thoughts and condolences remain with Rikki's family, who will now be supported by specialist officers as the investigation progresses."

In a further statement, Knowsley Local Policing Superintendent Karl Baldwin said: “The Kirkby community will see a lot of activity in the area today and I want to encourage people to speak to our officers.

We understand that people are sometimes reluctant to speak to police, but be assured that we will deal with information sensitively and put necessary measures in place to support those who help, as well as providing highly visible policing in the area in the coming days.

"We will have a mobile police station in the Northwood area in the next week, so please speak to us.

“Gun crime causes devastation, as last night’s tragic events sadly show. We will do all we can to bring those responsible to justice, and remove weapons from those communities who suffer from the great harm that organised crime brings.”

People can also call 101, DM police @MerPolCC on social media, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 24000624806.