SOMEONE in Middlewich could hold vital information in connection with a murder in Wavertree.

Police confirmed yesterday, Tuesday, that a car used by a masked gang of men in an armed attack on a pub in Wavertree was stolen from a showroom in Middlewich.

The silver Subaru Impreza stolen from the forecourt of a car dealer in Brooks Lane, Middlewich, on or about Tuesday, November 26.

The car was unregistered and did not have number plates on at the time.

It was involved in an incident at the Thatched House Pub in Wavertree on Tuesday, December 3, that involved three people being shot with a handgun and one man, Raymond Craven, dying from his injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Lol Carr said: "Ray lived with his parents who are devastated by their son's death.

"He was a popular young man, which is borne out by the large number of floral tributes placed outside the Thatched House by his friends, family and members of the public."

A spokesman for Merseyside police said: "It is believed that the car was brought back to Liverpool shortly after the theft. It may also have been used since that date in the Liverpool area. It is possible that the theft was witnessed by a member of the public, or that the car was seen driving back to the Liverpool area that day."

As a result of the theft, police are appealing for information from anyone who may have seen a silver car in Middlewich without number plates, possibly being filled up at a petrol station en route to Liverpool.

Information can be given to police by ringing 0151 777 8722 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

jsawyer@guardiangrp.co.uk