Heartbreaking moment Elle Edwards’ dad carries her coffin into funeral after she was shot dead at pub

ELLE Edward's heartbroken dad today carried her coffin into her funeral service after she was shot dead on Christmas Eve.

Innocent Elle, 26, was caught up in the crossfire of a deadly gang war as she had a festive drink in Wallasey, Merseyside.

Connor Chapman, 22, has now been charged with her murder.

Hundreds of tearful mourners today gathered to pay their respects to Elle.

The beautician is being laid to rest at at St Nicholas's Church in Wallasey.

Elle was taken on her final journey in a white carriage pulled by horses adorned with pink feathers.

Her dad Tim helped carry his daughter's coffin, which had white, red and pink roses, into the church.

Elle's devastated family all wore a pin that appeared to show two E's back-to-back in the shape of a butterfly.

Mourners were asked for donations to the Elle Edwards Foundation in her memory to tackle gun violence.

Reverend Jeff Staples said there was "much in Elle's life that needs to be celebrated".

He also revealed Elle's granddad George had said mourners needed to leave the church with "hope in our hearts".

The congregation was invited to tie a ribbon on the church's prayer tree during the poignant service.

A private service is being held after at Landican Cemetery and Crematorium.

The horror unfolded on Christmas Eve as make up artist Elle enjoyed a drink in the outdoor seating area of the Lighthouse Inn.

It is thought the gunman had been tipped off that a man he had a bust-up with a few days earlier was among the drinkers.

As the area was peppered with bullets, Elle was tragically blasted in the head.

She was rushed to hospital along with four men but sadly couldn't be saved.

Her dad Tim Edwards said on behalf of the grieving family: “There was no one as beautiful as our Elle May, her looks, her laugh and the way she would light up a room as soon as she walked in.

“She had this way about her that as soon as you met her, you just instantly fell in love with her, everyone that met Elle knew how special she was.”

The statement added: “Her laugh was infectious. Anyone who was around her had a good time, she loved her life and had so many amazing plans for the future.

“She was only just getting started. Christmas and our family will never be the same again without her. She was the glue that held this big family together, from all of us.

“We will love and miss her forever. Our Elle May, the most beautiful and bright star out there, forever and always.”

Chapman is charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder and three counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

He is also accused of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, relating to a converted Skorpion submachine gun.

Chapman has been remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing on April 17 at Liverpool Crown Court.