Cyclist targeted by killer named

Mr Garrity died from a gunshot wound to the left side of his upper torso

A cyclist who was shot dead after being chased through Liverpool in a targeted attack has been named by police.

David Garrity was found dead in an alleyway in the Kirkdale area early on Sunday after shots were fired at him.

The 32-year-old had been followed by a Volvo which is thought to have "screeched to a halt" by the alley off Stanley Road.

The car was later found burnt out at a railway underpass in Bootle.

Witness appeal

Ch Supt Peter Currie, of Merseyside Police, said a post-mortem examination confirmed Mr Garrity died as the result of a gunshot wound to the left side of his upper torso.

He said: "We believe this was a targeted attack and I am appealing to anyone who may have information which could help us with our inquiries to come forward."

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

Police want to speak to clubbers who may have seen a Volvo, registration W943 TRH, being driven erratically in the early hours.

CCTV examined

Officers would also like to speak to anyone who saw Mr Garrity in the hours before his death.

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

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

Mr Currie said: " I would like to reassure the community that Merseyside Police will not tolerate gun crime on our streets and we are committed to tackling those involved with firearms."