'I won't get to kiss my son on his 21st birthday'

The mother of a man who was shot in an industrial park on Merseyside is calling on the parents of those responsible to "put yourself in my shoes", as she renews an appeal for information on what would have been her son's 21st birthday.

Ellis Cox, 19, died after he was shot in the back on the Liver Industrial Estate in Aintree in June 2024. Despite several arrests and an offer of a £20,000 reward nobody has been charged over his death.

"Imagine not being able to see your baby on such an important birthday," Carolyn Cox said.

"I won't get to kiss and hug him on his birthday and give him all his presents... from mum to mum, do the right thing and get justice for Ellis."

Police believe Ellis Cox was shot with a self-loading pistol as he walked through the Liver Industrial Estate, having travelled back from Southport.

His mother Carolyn Cox previously told how her son had called her shortly before he was shot, telling her he would be "home in five minutes".

He was found with gunshot wounds at 22:00 BST and died later in hospital.

"I know as a mum that they know who has done this. You know your own children," she said.

"Please search your conscience. We're missing Ellis being 21.

"I beg the parents, friends... because if it can happen to Ellis, it can happen to anyone."

Det Ch Insp Steve McGrath said the force was working to build a definitive case.

"I'm satisfied we're looking at the right people, and not just limiting this investigation to the three or four people who were there on that night," he said.

He said detectives were trying to find people who had assisted the offenders, both before and after Ellis' death.

He said he wanted to "prick the conscience of those who are close to our offenders who may be able to give us that vital piece of information we need".

"What we're looking for is people who know our offenders to come forward and assist us," he said.

"It may be they can provide that key piece of evidence in order for us to take it to a prosecution at court."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police.

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