CCTV after Man shot dead in Liverpool

Detectives investigating the murder of 23-year-old Paul Pike have released a CCTV image taken just moments before the shooting in a bid to trace the occupants of three cars, who could possibly have vital information which could help with the investigation.

The image was captured by the camera at 11.20pm on Saturday, 5 June, and features what is believed to be a silver Ford C-Max being driven towards the city centre, a black Hackney cab turning on to South Road and a third vehicle being driven away from the city along Crosby Road North.

Officers were called to the scene on Crosby Road North at its junction with South Road at around 11.20pm on Saturday following reports of a shooting.

It is understood that Paul Pike, who lived in Belle Vale, had been driving along Crosby Road North with his girlfriend in the passenger seat when a silver Audi TT car pulled up alongside the van whilst it was stopped at the traffic lights (near to the Liver pub).

A number of shots were fired from the Audi at the van and the offenders then drove off, turned the car around and came back towards the van, firing more shots. They then drove off along Stuart Road and the Audi was later found abandoned and burnt out on Fairfield Close, off Endbutt Lane, Crosby.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Bickley, who is leading the investigation, said: "We've issued the CCTV in the hope we can trace the occupants as they could have vital information.

The picture was taken just moments before Paul Pike was fatally shot and the people in these cars may not realise they may have seen something crucial.

"We believe the car on the left is a silver Ford C-Max which has probably just driven by Paul Pike's red transit van and the offenders in the Audi.

"I am also keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the Liver Pub, or walking along Crosby Road North,  who may have witnessed the incident and to anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in and around the St Johns Road, area before the shooting.

"With regards to the Audi TT we know that it was stolen from Hawarden, North Wales, on Friday, 21 May, and I would appeal to anyone who may have seen it between 21 May and the time of the shooting to come forward.

"At the time it was stolen the car was displaying 57 registration plates, but it is possible that these were replaced with false number plates.

"I am particularly interested in talking to anyone who may have seen the car being abandoned in Fairfield Close, which is off Endbutt Lane."

At this stage of the enquiry the motive for the shooting remains unclear, however officers believe the attack was targeted.

Anyone who may have information which could help detectives with their inquiries should contact the Major Incident Room on 0151 777 8629, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.