Arson victim was shot before fire

The woman was downstairs when the fire started

A woman found dead in a house in Liverpool which was deliberately set alight, had been shot before the fire was started.

Officers believe her attackers went into the property on Lambourne Road in Walton, on Wednesday, and shot her in the front room.

The 22-year-old victim was found dead while a man and a two-year-old girl managed to escape from the house.

Merseyside Police are looking for three men in connection with the murder.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have seen a Lexus estate car that was found burned out on nearby Utting Avenue to come forward.

Forensic officers examined the house

A police spokeswoman said: "We believe the attacker or attackers made their way into the house, shooting the woman in the front living room.

"They then used petrol to set the house alight."

The house was sealed off on Wednesday to allow a forensic examination to take place.

Police are urging anyone with information about the attack to contact them or Crimestoppers.