Gun victim was second family member to be shot

Feb 27 2008 by Ben Schofield, Liverpool Daily Post

A 27-YEAR-OLD shot in the back in Melling was the second member of his family to be targeted by gunmen, the Daily Post can reveal.

James Richardson was gunned down in the quiet suburban street of Larkspur Court, off Waddicar Lane, Melling, on Monday evening.

Police insist Mr Richardson, who is from Melling, was the target of a planned attack and have moved quickly to reassure residents.

Mr Richardson’s brother Mark was shot in a gangland-style ambush in Everton in April, 2004 in which another man died.

Tony Richardson, another of James’s brothers, was also reported to be a target for gangland figures in Liverpool.

It was feared his then fiancee, Merseyside starlet Jennifer Ellison, was a target herself after shots were fired at her Croxteth Park house.

Tony and Miss Ellison split last year and Tony has since been seen with Celebrity Big Brother winner Chantelle Houghton.

Police yesterday delivered a letter to every local house in an attempt to calm nerves.

Inspector Paul Meadows, from Maghull neighbourhood policing team, wrote: “Please can I reassure you again that the large Police presence on this particular day was to prevent any harm to the public.

“This was an isolated incident and there is no specific threat or danger to any local residents or members of the public.”

Mr Richardson was hit by a shower of bullets and was taken to hospital before police arrived.

Surgeons removed a bullet from his back and his condition was described as stable.

He gave an initial account of the shooting to police on Monday night and officers were due to quiz him again last night.

Yesterday police carried out door-to-door inquiries and a forensic examination of the scene.

It was also confirmed officers recovered a vehicle as part of their investigation.