Huyton gun death: James Meadows family in birthday appeal

The family of a boy who was shot in the head while riding pillion on a motorbike have appealed for information, on what would have been his 18th birthday.

James Meadows died in hospital the day after being shot in Huyton, Merseyside.

His family said "James should be celebrating" but instead they would be visiting "his grave with cards".

They said "anyone with a conscience" must speak to police over the shooting in Lyme Cross Road on 8 October.

"The void of James not being with us is still unbearable. Each day we expect and wait for him to walk through the door," his family said in a statement.

"Today is James's 18th birthday... we should be watching him enjoy himself and living his life to the full."

A 29-year-old woman, a 17-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man remain on bail after being arrested on suspicion of James's murder, Merseyside Police said.

Det Ch Insp Bev Hyland, who is leading the investigation, said "the passing of his 18th birthday will only add to the pain that his family and friends are feeling".

Police particularly want to speak to anyone in the area of Lyme Cross Road on the evening of the murder or anyone who saw a dark hatchback car, possibly a Mercedes, on the Longview or Hillside estate, Det Ch Insp Hyland said.