A murder investigation has been launched after a woman was killed and multiple people were injured in a shooting incident in Wallasey near Liverpool, police said.

Merseyside police said officers were called to the Lighthouse Inn in Wallasey Village, Wallasey about 11.50pm on Saturday after reports of gunshots.

A young woman was taken to hospital with an injury consistent with a gunshot wound and later died, police said. Three men were also taken to hospital with gunshot wounds and a number of others were injured in the incident.

Det Supt David McCaughrean said: “This investigation is in the very early stages and we understand that this is a truly shocking and devastating incident that has happened just before Christmas Day in a busy venue full of young people.

“We have a number of officers at Wallasey Village who are carrying out extensive enquiries to understand exactly what has taken place and take immediate action.

“A woman has tragically lost her life at Christmas whilst several people are being treated in hospital and our thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s family.

The person responsible for the incident remains at large and police have appealed to members of the public and anyone who was in the pub at the time of the shooting to come forward with information.

“I would ask anyone who was in the Lighthouse in Wallasey Village last night who witnessed the incident or has mobile or CCTV footage of what happened to contact us as a matter of urgency,” Det Supt McCaughrean said.

“We believe that the gunman left the pub car park in a dark coloured vehicle – possibly a dark coloured Mercedes shortly after the shooting and we are keen to hear from anyone who saw this to contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1044 of Saturday 24 December.