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Yesterday’s outrage came 15 years to the day after 11-year-old Rhys Jones was shot dead in drugs war crossfire. Police data revealed that at least 14 people – including several teenagers – have been killed in violence across Merseyside in the first eight months of this year.

Meanwhile, dozens of others have been stabbed or shot and survived as crime has swept across the area.

The surge compares to a total of 17 homicides recorded in the force area for the 12 months crime recording period of 2021-22.

Ms Barker, who represents Liverpool

Wavertree for Labour, said: “It is completely unacceptable and this mindless violence simply has to stop.

“As a city, we come together in adversity and I know people in Liverpool will be absolutely horrified.

“It is obviously devastating and it comes 15 years to the day after Rhys Jones was senselessly murdered on the streets as well.”

She warned that the wall of silence around gangs meant it was a long time before Rhys’ killer Sean Mercer, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, was brought to justice. He was found guilty of murder in 2008.

Ms Barker added: “We cannot allow that to happen to the family of this little girl.

“There is a culture in the city that people shouldn’t grass on each other.

“What I would say clearly is if anyone has abo any information about murders in the city in recent weeks please contact Merseyside Police, a nine-year-old has lost their life.”

Rhys was killed while walking home from football practice on August 22, 2007.

Mr Byrne, Labour member for Liverpool West Derby, said: “Fifteen years after Rhys Jones was murdered, another innocent child of our city has been lost to gun crime.”

Harry Doyle, the city’s assistant mayor, who was the same age as Rhys when he died, said: “My mum wouldn’t let me walk to school around that time.

“It is unthinkable and it’s unbelievable that this has happened again 15 years on.

“We thought that we had rid ourselves of this violence – and this week we’ve seen it return.”

Peter Harvey, a leading Liverpool journalist, tweeted: “Serious crime in Liverpool is changing fast, perhaps elsewhere too.

“‘Gangster’ cowards tooled up with guns and knives are killing innocents, including women and kids. Government must get tough on crime.”

The latest victims of the violence spree include 28-year-old Knowsley Council worker Ashley Dale, shot dead in her home in the early hours of Sunday.

Police believe the Liverpool John Moores University graduate was not the intended target of the attack but an “innocent member of the public”.

Her half-brother Lewis Dunne, 16, had been gunned down in a case of mistaken identity seven years ago.

In a moving statement, her family said: “We can’t come to terms with how this would happen to a defenceless woman in her own home. None of this makes sense and our e lives will never be the same again. A senseless crime that has torn a family apart.”

Ashley, they said, was “a hard-working young woman, who had her entire life ahead of her”.

She had just been promoted and had “so many plans for her bright future that had only just begun”.

Sam Rimmer, 22, praised as “an amazing young man” was shot dead last week, shortly before two men were seen fleeing on electric bikes.

Merseyside Police do not know if he was the intended target, but stressed the attack had left his family “desperately trying to come to terms with their loss”.

Leroy Venner, 53, of Toxteth, was found dying in an Anfield property last month, and pronounced dead in hospital prope shortly later. Two men were arrested in connection with the incident.

Karen Wheeler, 62, was found dead at a flat in Birkenhead in May.

Mark Wheeler, 51, has appeared in court charged with her murder.

Lorraine Cullen, 43, died after suffering repeated stab wounds at a house in Huyton in May. A 21-year-old man has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

Michael Toohey, 18, died from multiple injuries after being set upon at an internet cafe in the city in April. Eight men and a boy have been charged with his murder.

His family said in a statement: “Michael was adored by everybody who had the pleasure to meet him.”

Gary Morgan, 36, died from a single stab wound after being attacked at a house in Everton, in April.

A woman has denied his murder. His family described him as “a caring lad who brightened everyone’s day”, adding: “He was a loving father, son and brother who will be missed by all.”

Dylan Bacon, 38, was stabbed to death in Liverpool’s Old Swan neighbourhood in March. A woman has been charged with his murder.

His family said of him: “Dylan was loved by everyone in Old Swan.

“You couldn’t think about the Swan without Dylan coming to mind. He had the most infectious smile and energy.

“He was gifted with the bluest eyes and dimples, and was always available for a picture. The stories of Dylan will live on, we love you so much.”

Schoolgirl Ava White, 12, was fatally stabbed in the city centre in the run-up to last Christmas in a row over a Snapchat video at a festive lights switch-on.

A 14-year-old boy was sentenced to life after being convicted of her murder and possessing an offensive weapon.

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