Detectives are preparing to launch a fresh appeal for information following the murder of a man in Liverpool who was gunned down by a cyclist.
Carl Russell was shot dead in the Belle Vale area of the city as he and his partner got out of a car on Sunday morning. Police believe it was a targeted shooting.
It has since emerged that Russell was a serving prisoner on day release from the Category D open jail HMP Thorn Cross in Cheshire and had survived a previous attempt on his life in 2010.
A Prison Service spokeswoman said: ”We are working closely with Merseyside Police and it would be inappropriate to comment further while there is an ongoing police investigation.”
Two men, both from Belle Vale and aged 33 and 29, were bailed following their arrests on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.
But asked if officers were still hunting Russell’s killer, a Merseyside Police spokesman said: “The investigation is still ongoing.”
The gunman was believed to have been dressed mostly in black but with a high-vis orange jacket, and escaped on the pedal bike in the direction of Madeira Drive after the attack in Cornwood Close.
He was said to have been aged in his late 20s and of medium build.
Russell’s family described the 27-year-old as a “lovable rogue”.
In a statement, they said: ”Carl was an amazing son, brother, uncle, nephew and boyfriend who idolised his true love Lakyn. Carl was a mummy’s boy who loved his pops. He would do anything for anyone and had a heart of gold. His family and Lakyn were his world. Carl was no angel – he was our lovable rogue.
“At this difficult time we would appreciate the time to grieve and comprehend the loss of Carl in this cold-blooded murder.”
Additional reporting by PA
