Moreton shooting: Police hunt for trio after woman killed in ‘targeted attack’ at her home

A 53-year-old woman shot dead in her home in Moreton during a suspected targeted attack has been named as Jacqueline Rutter.

Merseyside Police were called to a house in Meadowbrook Road, Moreton, in the early hours of Sunday, October 31, and found the victim with a gunshot wound to the chest. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives believe that the shooting happened at around 1am.

A murder investigation is underway and police are attempting to trace the occupants of a black Vauxhall Insignia spotted in the area at the time of the shooting. It is thought there were up to three people in the car. The vehicle was later found burnt out on Garden Hey Road.

A 79-year-old man who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath said: “Our thoughts and condolences remain with Jacqueline Rutter’s family who have been left distraught by this shocking crime.

“We are still treating this as a targeted incident and we are continuing to appeal to residents in the area. We believe at least two or three people were involved in this incident, and we are sure that information is out there to identify who they are, where they are, and where the weapon is.

“We now believe that a black Vauxhall insignia was driven near the property on Meadowbrook Road and was also seen on Birkenhead Road, Hoylake Road and Garden Hey Road between 12.45am–1.15am that Sunday morning. It is absolutely vital that anyone who lives in these roads and has any sort of CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage checks as a matter of urgency. The smallest detail could be the key to bringing those responsible to justice.

“If you have not already spoken to police but saw something suspicious at the time, please let us know. Similarly, I would ask taxi and delivery drivers if they were driving in the area between 12.45am and 1.15am and have dashcam footage to please contact police.

“If you haven’t already come forward, please contact us with anything you know to help us to get justice for Jacqueline’s family and put those responsible for this shocking incident before the courts.”

How to contact police

Anyone with any information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101 with log 096 of Sunday 30 October.

You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.