Liverpool shooting: Two men bailed after 27-year-old shot dead by cyclist in 'targeted attack'

Both are from same area as victim

Two men have been bailed following their arrests in connection with the murder of a man shot dead in front of his girlfriend by a cyclist.

Carl Russell, 27, was killed by multiple bullets in Belle Vale, Liverpool, as he and his partner got out of a car on Sunday morning.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information about what they believe was a targeted shooting in Cornwood Close shortly before 11.30am on Sunday.

A 29-year-old man from Belle Vale, who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, has been released on conditional bail pending further enquiries, Merseyside Police said, alongside a 33-year-old man from the same area.

The gunman was believed to have been dressed mostly in black but with a hi-vis orange jacket, and escaped on the pedal bike in the direction of Madeira Drive.

He was said to have been in his late 20s and of medium build.

Following the attack neighbours said they heard four gunshots and at least one was said to have attempted to resuscitate Mr Russell.

Police, including armed officers, attended, and the North West Ambulance Service treated the victim at the scene for critical injuries to the head and torso. He was taken to hospital and pronounced dead shortly afterward.

The Liverpool Echo reported that Mr Russell survived a previous attempt on his life in 2010 when two masked gunmen forced their way into his home.

In a statement, Merseyside Police said: “A Home Office post-mortem has confirmed that Carl died of multiple gunshot wounds.

“An extensive and thorough investigation is being carried out by the force’s major crime unit and anyone with information on the incident is asked to direct message the Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 420 of 7 October, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Additional reporting by PA