Kirkdale murder victim formally identified as James Richards

UPDATE: 9.45pm, Thursday 23 September

Detectives investigating the murder of a man in Kirkdale yesterday (Wednesday 22 September) can confirm that the victim has been formally identified as 33-year-old James Richards from the L11 area of Liverpool.

James’s next of kin are being supported by specialist officers as extensive enquiries continue. 

A 22-year-old man remains in custody on suspicion of murder.

We’d still like to hear from anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV. Please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre with reference quoting reference 21000660162. 

You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.

 

Original Appeal

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information following the murder of a man whose body was discovered in Kirkdale yesterday, Wednesday 22 September. 

The body was discovered in an alleyway between Harebell Street and Woodbine Street by a member of the public at just before 1pm.

He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene and his next of kin are being supported by specialist officers. Formal identification is due to take place. 

A 22-year-old man from Kirkdale was arrested on suspicion of murder last night and remains in custody. 

CCTV, house-to-house and forensic enquiries continue in the area. 

Detective Chief Inspector Cath Haggerty said: “Although one person is in custody, our investigation is still in the early stages so we’re very keen to hear from anyone who lives locally and saw or heard anything which may assist, or has heard any information since.

“We’re looking to establish exactly when and where the original attack happened, and therefore if the victim may made his way to where he was later found. If you live in these streets or the surrounding area and saw, heard or captured anything from Tuesday into Wednesday, either on CCTV, doorbell or dashcam, let us know.

"We particular want to hear from any taxi drivers who were in the area in the early hours of Wednesday that can come forward to support and with any dashcam.

“This incident has caused understandable distress within the local community, and we will be in the area to speak to people and offer reassurance. This is initially believed to have been a targeted attack, but we are keeping an open mind as to the motive, and the precise details of when and where, enquiries which are continuing today.

“We are determined to identify all of those responsible for this tragic incident, which has taken the life of a man and left devastation for family and friends, who we will be supporting at this time.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also call 101 quoting reference 21000660162 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.