This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/merseyside/7093871.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Murder inquiry after gun killing Murder inquiry after gun killing
(1 day later)
Detectives have begun a murder investigation after a 40-year-old man was shot dead on Merseyside.Detectives have begun a murder investigation after a 40-year-old man was shot dead on Merseyside.
Officers found Colin Smith's body outside a row of shops near the Millhouse pub in Alderwood Avenue in Speke at 2000 GMT on Tuesday.Officers found Colin Smith's body outside a row of shops near the Millhouse pub in Alderwood Avenue in Speke at 2000 GMT on Tuesday.
Police said Mr Smith victim was "targeted". He was pronounced dead where he was found and house-to house inquires have been carried out.Police said Mr Smith victim was "targeted". He was pronounced dead where he was found and house-to house inquires have been carried out.
A post-mortem examination was carried out on Wednesday.A post-mortem examination was carried out on Wednesday.
Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward, especially those who might have noticed anything suspicious before the shooting.Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward, especially those who might have noticed anything suspicious before the shooting.
'Meticulous investigation' Most shops in the area were closed at the time, but detectives said people at a newsagent and gym that were open may have seen something.
Most shops in the area were closed at the time but detectives said people at a newsagent and gym that were open may have seen something. 'Cold-blooded'
Ch Supt Lol Carr said: "It wasn't a random shooting and we have a lot more police in the area to reassure the public. It is now believed that Mr Smith, who lived in Halewood, was shot as he was making his way towards his car - a black Ford Galaxy - after visiting Nel's Gym.
"There's nothing for people to be too frightened about. Detective Superintendent Steve Naylor, said: "This was a particularly callous and cold-blooded crime, which resulted in the death of Colin Smith, a 40-year-old father who has five children aged between six and 16-years-old.
"The investigation is meticulous but we will get to the bottom of it." "Mr Smith was well-known locally and we are trying to establish the motive for this attack.
"Speke is a very close-knit community and there may be somebody with information which could help us with our investigation."