The recording of the doorbell shows the teenager smiling and happy, but he died a few hours later

Ellis Cox was fatally shot near Tuskers in the Liver industrial estate

The doorbell recording shows Ellis Cox on the day he was fatally shot (Image: Merseyside Police )

A clever doorbell captured the smiling and happy teenager, only to be shot dead a few hours later. Ellis Cox was fatally shot by an unknown group close to Tuskers in the Liver industrial estatearound 11:10 p.m. on Sunday, June 23 this year.

After being treated at the scene by North West Ambulance Service paramedics, the 19-year-old was taken to hospital where he died from his injuries. The police investigation now indicates that Ellis, who has no criminal record, was not the target of the shooting and it may have been related to an ongoing dispute between the teenager’s group of associates and a rival street gang.

‌

As part of an ongoing appeal by Merseyside Police, detectives have released an image of Ellis on the day of his murder. A picture taken by the smart doorbell camera shows him assembling the bike at his aunt’s house before going to Southport.

He died tragically that same day around 11:00 p.m. His family said their grief was “overwhelming” and said someone’s “cowardly actions” prevented them from “watching him grow up”.

‌

They said: “This picture of Ellis was taken as he collected his bike from his aunt’s house, happy to go for a bike ride on a lovely sunny day, heading to Southport. Even though he was gone, he contacted all of his cousins that day, just checking to see if they were okay. It was like Ellis to do it. He was so kind and loved his family so much.

“As we continue to grieve the loss of our beautiful Ellis, the pain does not get any easier, and if anything is harder, we are broken. We see the world differently now, and the grief is overwhelming and all-consuming, tearing us all apart as a family because it’s just too hard.

The doorbell recording shows Ellis Cox on the day he was fatally shot (Image: Merseyside Police )

‌

“We should not be in this situation. Ellis should still be here with us living his life, but someone’s cowardly actions mean we can no longer laugh with him, hear his stories, watch him grow, and watch him create the amazing life he planned for myself

“His nieces are very young and always ask where he is, and his cousins are just lost without him, without his presence, his love and guidance. We miss his eyeliner, jokes and hugs. He towered over us all. He was and always will be our gentle giant and we will miss him always. Our life will never be the same.”

The family also appealed to people in Liverpool to help bring Ellis’ killer to justice. They also asked courier drivers and passengers in the industrial area who might have seen something to check their dashcams.

‌

Ellis Cox (Image: Merseyside Police )

They added: “We are still looking for answers and need the support of Liverpool and our local community now more than ever. We ask for your help. Who took Ellis from us?

“Where were you on the evening of June 23 around 10-11 p.m. did you see anything Did you see Ellis and the other four lads on their bikes on Long Lane, near the church or near the Liver Industrial Estate? Did you hear anything at all? Were you near the loop or maybe on the trail itself? Maybe you were walking home, walking the dog, on your way to work or maybe you were in the neighborhood shop or chip shop.

‌

“We are appealing to Uber Eats delivery drivers, Just Eat delivery drivers, Deliveroo delivery drivers, bus drivers, taxi drivers or industrial estate workers who may have seen something. Think please check your dash cams or ring the doorbell and ask yourself where were you nearby on the night of June 23rd?

“We have banners everywhere Walton and Aintree as well as the bypass and surrounding areas, which contain details of how you can contact Merseyside Police and do so anonymously if required. We are also continuing to send out 10,000 leaflets on Saturday 9th November, so please call us if you know anything, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is. Let the police decide. #MOVCHANNYANEVARIANT”.

Ellis Cox’s parents Carolyn Cox and Chris Woods at Merseyside Police HQ(Image: Ian Watts)

‌

Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath, senior investigating officer, said: “We remain determined to get justice for the Ellis family. The investigation into his murder is progressing and we have made four arrests so far, but no one has been charged yet. We continue to ask for information, no matter how small it may be vital to our inquiries.

“I would urge anyone who saw suspicious behavior in the area or heard anything to come forward so we can bring those responsible for his murder to justice. There were cyclists in the area at the time, including food delivery workers, who use the ring line and I would urge anyone who has seen anything that will help with our inquiries to get in touch.

“I would appeal to nearby residents and motorists who were in the area at the time to check CCTV, doorbell or dash cams for any footage that may capture activity that could be vital to the investigation.”

‌

If you have any information, you can visit Merseyside Police’s dedicated webpage to submit information or video footage that could help with the investigation into Ellis’ murder: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/05MP23M53-PO1. You can also contact the police via @MerPolCC or call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 24000554719.