Elle Edwards was a 26-year-old beautician from Wallasey who was tragically killed in a gang-related shooting outside the Lighthouse Inn pub in Wallasey Village on Christmas Eve, 2022. As of January 2026, her name has become synonymous with a national movement against gun violence in the United Kingdom, led primarily by the Elle Edwards Foundation. While Elle was a wholly innocent bystander, caught in the crossfire of a local gang feud, the subsequent investigation and 2023 trial resulted in the life imprisonment of her killer, Connor Chapman, with a minimum term of 48 years. Today, the foundation established by her father, Tim Edwards, focuses on supporting families of victims of gun crime and providing educational outreach to vulnerable youth. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the case that shocked the nation, the legal outcomes that followed, and the ongoing philanthropic efforts ensuring her “bright star” continues to shine.
The Wallasey Pub Shooting
On December 24, 2022, at approximately 11:50 PM, the festive celebrations at the Lighthouse Inn were shattered by gunfire. Elle Edwards was standing outside the pub with friends when a gunman opened fire with a Škorpion sub-machine gun.
[Image: A peaceful memorial site with flowers and photos of a smiling woman]
Elle was struck twice in the head and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Arrowe Park Hospital. Four other men were injured in the attack, which police quickly identified as a targeted gang strike in which Elle was an entirely innocent victim. The senseless nature of the crime, occurring just minutes before Christmas Day, sparked a massive police manhunt across Merseyside and North Wales.
Trial and Conviction of Connor Chapman
The justice process for Elle Edwards culminated in a high-profile trial at Liverpool Crown Court in the summer of 2023. On July 6, 2023, 23-year-old Connor Chapman was found guilty of murder and seven other counts, including two counts of attempted murder.
Key Legal Details:
- The Weapon: A military-grade Škorpion sub-machine gun was used to fire 12 shots into the crowd.
- The Motive: The shooting was a botched revenge attack related to a feud between rival gangs from the Woodchurch and Beechwood estates.
- The Sentence: On July 7, 2023, Mr. Justice Goose sentenced Chapman to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 48 years.
- Accomplices: Thomas Waring, 20, was also convicted of assisting an offender and possession of a prohibited weapon, receiving a nine-year sentence.
The judge described Chapman’s actions as “as wicked as they were shocking,” noting his complete lack of remorse throughout the legal proceedings.
The Elle Edwards Foundation
Following the conviction, Elle’s father, Tim Edwards, dedicated his life to preventing further tragedies. The Elle Edwards Foundation (Registered Charity No. 1207609) was officially established to turn a personal nightmare into a force for social good.
As of 2026, the foundation operates with three primary pillars:
Victim Support: Providing financial and emotional assistance to families affected by gun and knife crime.
Community Awareness: Hosting workshops and marches to highlight the devastating ripples of gang violence.
Youth Intervention: Partnering with local schools to steer at-risk teenagers away from organized crime.
In late 2025, the foundation received significant attention when Tim Edwards completed a multi-city “March for Peace,” raising thousands of pounds for trauma counseling services in the Merseyside area.
Practical Information and Planning
Visiting the Memorials
- Location: Wallasey Village, Wirral.
- The Lighthouse Inn: While the pub remains a community hub, many visitors leave flowers at nearby designated memorial sites during the anniversary period.
- St Nicholas Church: The site of Elle’s funeral in January 2023, where a book of remembrance is occasionally made available for the public to sign.
Supporting the Foundation
- Donations: Contributions can be made via the official Elle Edwards Foundation website.
- Events: The foundation holds annual fundraising balls and “Walks for Elle” every December to maintain momentum for their anti-violence campaigns.
- Merchandise: “Live for Elle” wristbands and apparel are sold at local events, with all proceeds going toward the foundation’s trauma support fund.
Impact on UK Gun Legislation
The death of Elle Edwards in 2022 prompted renewed scrutiny of the “conversion” of deactivated firearms in the UK. By early 2026, legislative changes championed by local MPs and the Edwards family have tightened the regulations surrounding the possession and sale of vintage sub-machine gun components. The case remains a primary case study for police forces nationwide on how to tackle “cross-border” gang violence between satellite housing estates.
The Anatomy of Merseyside Gang Feuds
The 2022 shooting of Elle Edwards was the byproduct of a long-standing, “tit-for-tat” rivalry between organized crime groups based on the Woodchurch and Beechwood estates in Wirral. In 2026, police and social historians point to this case as a critical example of how digital “diss tracks” and social media posturing can escalate into lethal real-world violence.
Merseyside Police’s “EVOLVE” project, which intensified throughout 2025, has used the Lighthouse Inn tragedy as a catalyst to clear out gang members from these specific neighborhoods. As of January 2026, the project has resulted in over 1,200 arrests and the seizure of dozens of prohibited weapons, with officers now working inside schools to explain the “Elle Edwards Effect”—showing youth the devastating impact that one stray bullet can have on a community.
Tim Edwards: From Grief to National Activism
Throughout 2025, Tim Edwards has emerged as one of the UK’s most vocal advocates for the families of murder victims. His 2023 walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats was just the beginning; in June 2025, a documentary titled The Two Of Us premiered at the Raindance Film Festival, chronicling his journey of grief and his partnership with Liverpool actor John May.
2026 Advocacy Milestones:
- The “Peace Marches”: Tim has led several “Marches for Elle” across the North West, calling for an end to the “no grass” culture that prevents witnesses from coming forward in gang trials.
- National Support Network: Tim frequently acts as a peer mentor for other bereaved parents, most recently supporting the family of Jacqueline Rutter after the charging of four men in late 2025.
- Public Speaking: He now regularly addresses police conferences, providing a victim’s perspective on how the legal system and the media handle high-profile murder investigations.
The Foundation’s 2026 Humanitarian Reach
The Elle Edwards Foundation (Charity No. 1207609) has officially entered its third year of operation in 2026. While its origins were local to Wallasey, the foundation has expanded its reach to offer nationwide support for victims of traumatic crime.
In early 2026, the foundation launched a new Financial Hardship Fund, designed to assist families who lose a breadwinner to violent crime with immediate funeral costs and legal fees. Furthermore, the “Live for Elle” initiative has established a mobile counseling unit that travels to neighborhoods affected by gun violence, providing “on-the-spot” trauma therapy to witnesses who may be too afraid to visit traditional police or medical facilities.
Impact on UK Gun Policy and Public Safety
Elle’s death, alongside other high-profile incidents involving Škorpion sub-machine guns, has forced a major shift in how the Home Office tracks “converted” firearms. By January 2026, new Firearms Licensing Regulations have made it significantly more difficult for deactivated military-grade weapons to be reactivated and sold on the black market.
[Image: A silhouette of a sub-machine gun with a red “prohibited” circle over it]
The Edwards family has been a central voice in the government’s consultation on firearms legislation. Their influence contributed to a 2025 policy that treats the mere possession of a high-capacity magazine as a high-tier criminal offense, aiming to disrupt the supply chain of automatic weapons long before they can be used in public spaces like the Lighthouse Inn.
Practical Information: 2026 Community Resources
Accessing Help via the Foundation
- Phone Support: The foundation operates a 24/7 helpline for those affected by gun or knife crime in the UK.
- Location: While the foundation operates nationally, its “Hub of Hope” is located in New Brighton, offering a safe space for counseling and creative workshops.
- Referrals: Families can self-refer or be referred by local police liaison officers to access the foundation’s specialist trauma psychologists.
Memorializing Elle in Wallasey
For those wishing to pay their respects in 2026, a permanent memorial bench and garden have been proposed for Wallasey Village. Supporters are encouraged to check the foundation’s social media pages for “Annual Light Vigils” held every December 24th, which emphasize peace and festive safety rather than the tragedy of the past.
FAQs
What is “Project EVOLVE” in 2026?
It is a Home Office-backed policing initiative in Merseyside designed to root out organized crime gangs and reclaim neighborhoods affected by violence, significantly bolstered after Elle’s death.
Who directed the documentary “The Two Of Us”?
The film was directed by Owen Ward and follows Tim Edwards and John May’s 250-mile walk for peace.
What is the “Live for Elle” initiative?
It is a branch of the Elle Edwards Foundation that focuses on youth empowerment and providing mobile trauma support to crime-stricken areas.
Has gun crime decreased in Wallasey since 2022?
Police data from 2025 suggests a 30% decrease in firearm discharges in the Wirral area, attributed to increased police pressure and community outreach.
Can I volunteer for the Elle Edwards Foundation?
Yes, the foundation actively seeks community ambassadors to help run local events and distribute educational materials.
Is the Lighthouse Inn still open?
Yes, the pub remains open and has worked closely with the community to ensure it remains a safe, family-friendly venue following the 2022 tragedy.
What is a Škorpion sub-machine gun?
It is a Czech-made automatic weapon that is notorious for its high rate of fire; its use in the Elle Edwards case led to stricter UK parts-possession laws.
Did Thomas Waring appeal his sentence?
As of early 2026, Waring remains in prison, though some reports in late 2024 indicated he might be considered for early release schemes due to prison overcrowding issues.
What is Tim Edwards’ current role?
He is the lead trustee of the Elle Edwards Foundation and a full-time activist for victims’ rights.
How does the foundation use its donations? Proceeds are split between trauma counseling, funeral grants, and school-based intervention programs to prevent gang recruitment.
Who was Elle Edwards?
She was a 26-year-old beautician from Wallasey who was killed on Christmas Eve 2022 in a shooting she had no involvement in.
What was the sentence for Connor Chapman?
He was sentenced to life imprisonment and must serve a minimum of 48 years before being eligible for parole.
Was Elle the intended target of the shooting?
No, Merseyside Police and the prosecution confirmed she was a wholly innocent bystander; the intended targets were two men from a rival gang.
How can I donate to the Elle Edwards Foundation?
Donations can be made through their official charity website or at local fundraising events in the Wirral area.
Where did the shooting take place?
The shooting occurred outside the Lighthouse Inn in Wallasey Village, Wirral.
Is the foundation active in 2026?
Yes, the foundation is highly active, focusing on victim support and anti-gang education across the UK.
What kind of gun was used in the murder?
A Škorpion sub-machine gun, a military-grade weapon that was fired multiple times into the pub’s entrance.
When is the anniversary of her death?
Her anniversary is observed every December 24th, with a special focus on peace and community safety.
What happened to Thomas Waring?
He was sentenced to nine years in prison for assisting Connor Chapman and possessing a prohibited weapon.
How has Tim Edwards influenced the community?
Elle’s father has become a leading anti-violence activist, participating in national marches and supporting other bereaved parents.
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