Cyclist chased by killer in car

Detectives believe the shooting in Kirkdale was a targeted attack

A cyclist was shot dead after being chased through a city by his killer, police have said.

Three shots were fired at the victim as he fled down an alleyway in the Kirkdale area of Liverpool.

The man, aged in his late 20s or 30s, was followed by a car which is thought to have "screeched to a halt" by the alleyway just off Stanley Road.

Police want to speak to clubbers who may have seen a car being driven erratically in the early hours.

Ch Supt Peter Currie, of Merseyside Police, said: "There is evidence of tyre marks on the road which makes me think a car screeched to a halt as the victim cycled into the alleyway.

"The witness reports of three gun shots has been borne out by scene examinations."

Appeal to clubbers

So far, police have not formally identified the victim or said what kind of gun was used.

Mr Currie said the victim was white, dressed in black clothing and was wearing blue trainers. He was riding a dark Trek bicycle.

CCTV footage of the area is being examined and house-to-house inquiries are taking place.

The scene of the murder, which took place just before 0300 BST, is a main route into and out of Liverpool city centre and Mr Currie is confident of finding witnesses.

"Club-goers coming out of the city centre and heading to north Liverpool or Bootle may have heard the shots or seen a car driving erratically.

"At that time of night noise travels far and even the slightest bit of information can be useful."

Police have increased the number of patrols in the area in an attempt to reassure the local community.