Appeal from family of Ashley Dale on what would have been her 29th birthday

Wednesday 21 December, 2022: Today, Ashley Dale should have been celebrating her 29th birthday.

So, on behalf of Ashley’s family, we are issuing the following statement as the investigation into her murder continues:

"Ashley's family would like to emphasise the devastating effects gun crime has had on our family. On what would have been Ashley's 29th birthday, her loss is beyond words, the family have been torn apart and life can never be 'normal' again.

"Her birthday being so close to Christmas made this time of year so special, but without her Christmas is going to be unbearable. Life has become a living nightmare for Ashley's parents, siblings and family. Her loving, kind and articulate nature showed through with the number of friends she had. We couldn't have been more proud of Ashley.

"A huge hole has been left, life will never be the same again. 

"We miss you Ash with all our hearts and vow that justice for 'Our Ash' will be served."

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information on the murder of Ashley, which happened in August in Old Swan. At around 12.40am on Sunday, 21 August, officers were called to an address in Leinster Road following reports of concern for a woman at the property. Emergency services attended and found Ashley in the rear garden with a gunshot wound to her body. Ashley was taken to hospital but sadly died a short time later.
 
A total of 15 arrests have since been made and all of these people remain on conditional bail or under investigation.
 
Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cummings, who is leading the investigation, said: “We know that today will be an extremely difficult time for Ashley’s family and friends, as they continue to come to terms with her sudden and tragic passing. We share their determination to see justice served, and to that end our investigation team continues to make progress. 
 
“Detectives review all new information received on Ashley’s murder as a high priority, so please don’t assume what you know is already known to us. The smallest detail, image, footage or description could prove pivotal to our enquiries, so let us make that assessment. Please continue to come forward and we will keep everyone updated with any developments as we have them.”
 
If you haven’t already contacted us, please submit any information you have directly with our investigation team through our online portal: Public Portal (Public Portal (mipp.police.uk). This will make sure that your information is received and acted on as quickly as possible by detectives.
 
You can also contact us via social media @MerPolCC or call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 22000615873.