Families Bereaved by Merseyside Shootings Unite at Film Screening

Families who lost loved ones in four separate Merseyside shooting incidents have expressed their shared experience, describing it as “a club we never asked to be in.” This statement was made as a new film, designed to underscore the effects of violent crime, was launched. Tim Edwards, along with three other families, spoke at the film’s premiere in Liverpool, an event that also included a poetry reading. Mr. Edwards’ daughter, Elle Edwards, aged 26, was fatally shot on 24 December 2022 outside a pub in Wallasey Village, Wirral, having been caught in the crossfire of a gangland dispute. Relatives of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, Ashley Dale, and Sam Rimmer, who were also victims of fatal shootings, were present. The collective group stated their desire to “help the kids of this city and the people of this city.” This gathering in Liverpool was held as part of Operation Evolve, an initiative that police have stated is designed to dismantle criminal organizations. During National Grief Awareness Week, Mr. Edwards commented that despite the difficulties associated with Christmas, his family intends to gather, affirming that “there is always going to be a place at the table for Elle.” Approximately 100 schoolchildren participated in the event, including year six pupils from Olivia Pratt-Korbel’s primary school. The nine-year-old was killed on the evening of 22 August 2022, when gunman Thomas Cashman pursued a drug dealer into her Liverpool residence and discharged a firearm into the hallway. Attendees, including the pupils, observed poet Joseph Roberts, 21, recite his poem “Dear Merseyside” within the short film. Mr. Roberts stated, “People aren’t going to remember exactly what we said in the poem but what they will remember is how it made them feel.” Mr. Roberts further explained, “It’s me speaking to the city and saying listen, let’s put the knives down, let’s work together and create a brighter future.” Among those also present at the event were Julie, Ashley Dale’s mother; Cheryl, Olivia Pratt-Korbel’s mother; and Joanne, Sam Rimmer’s mother. Ashley Dale, 28, was killed by a machine gun on 21 August 2022, when James Witham forcibly entered her Liverpool residence and opened fire following a dispute with her boyfriend. Julie emphasized the significance of the event in conveying the message that “this is just not a five minute news bulletin on the TV – this is our life.” She added, “We have to live with the aftermath of what’s happened.” Sam Rimmer’s family also attended the gathering. He was 22 years old when he was fatally shot by an individual on an electric bike in Dingle, Liverpool, on 16 August 2022. Authorities continue their search for his killer. Audiences can access the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Further details on our approach to external linking are available.