Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing has spoken out to reassure local people in the aftermath of two recent murders and a shooting in Sefton.
Detectives are investigating two murders, which saw 18-year-old, Kyle Whitley killed after being stabbed in the chest on Vincent Road, in Litherland, on Easter Monday, 20-year-old Michael Rainsford shot dead in his kitchen on April 7th, as wel as incident where shots were fired at Rimrose Hope Primary School in Seaforth on Easter Sunday.
A 17-year-old arrested after Kyle’s murder is being questioned by police.
Cllr Hardy said: “We know the majority of residents living in Sefton are proud of where they live and won’t stand for serious crime on their doorstep.
“These are shocking incidents in our community and devastating for the families of those victims, at such an unsettled time for everyone.
“I want to reassure our residents that Sefton Council is working closely with Merseyside Police to support our communities and I would urge anyone with information about the incidents to contact Merseyside Police or Crime Stoppers”.
“We are committed to reducing and preventing crime and anti-social behaviour right across the borough in order to make our thriving communities even safer.
“As part of our collaborative approach to protect our communities, it’s important that we work closely with our partners, including Merseyside Police, to reduce crime in Sefton.”
People can contact Merseyside Police by calling 101 or by using the online reporting form.
Crimestoppers, a charity which is independent of police, on 0800 555 111. More about Crimestoppers.
Merseyside Police’s Sefton Area Commander Superintendent Graeme Robson said: “I hope those living in Sefton can find some reassurance knowing arrests have been made in connection with both of these tragic murders, and those arrested remain under investigation. Our policing activity will continue in the coming weeks to ensure government guidelines are being adhered to, our communities have the confidence to speak openly with us and the public are not being plagued with those intent on causing fear in our communities.
“I particularly want to assure those living in Litherland, Seaforth and the wider Sefton area that we will continue to target those we suspect are involved in serious and organised crime. We’re in the area today carrying our extensive enquiries in relation to the stabbing yesterday, and will continue to carry out warrants, seizures and arrests.
“Vital to this activity as always is people who live locally and know what is behind these incidents. To those staying at home or still out and about, working and making essential journeys, keep telling us what you know and we will keep sharing these positive results.”
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