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.
Det Supt McCaughrean appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.
“This investigation is in the very early stages and we understand that this is a truly shocking and devastating incident that has happened just before Christmas Day,” he added.
“We have a number of officers at Wallasey Village who are carrying out extensive enquiries to understand exactly what has taken place and take immediate action.
“A woman has tragically lost her life at Christmas whilst several people are being treated in hospital and our thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s family.”
Police say the woman’s next of kin have been informed and her family are being supported by specially trained officers.