A young woman who was shot dead in a back garden was today pictured for the first time. 

Ashley Dale, 28, was gunned down in the back garden of a house in Liverpool shortly after midnight yesterday. 

Police today confirmed they believe the property was purposefully targeted but the council worker was not the intended victim. 

Ashley Dale, 28, was gunned down in the back garden of a house in Liverpool yesterday

Police forensic officers at the scene of shooting in Liverpool yesterday

Ms Dale was treated for her wounds at the scene but died later in hospital.  

Tributes have been pouring in for the ‘beautiful’ and ‘lovely’ woman, with neighbours and friends expressing their ‘shock’ and grief.

Paige Elizabeth posted online: ‘Heart breaking this. Rip Ashley taken far too young.’  Kayleigh Elizabeth Crowe replied: ‘Such a lovely girl.’

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said: ‘Gun crime has no place on the streets of Merseyside and we will leave no stone unturned to bring those responsible for justice. 

Forensic officers investigate in Liverpool yesterday after the woman was shot dead

‘An investigation is underway and a number of lines of enquiry are currently being investigated.

‘The community, as always, are our eyes and ears and we know that there may be people living locally who saw or heard something in the early hours which may prove to be significant to our investigation.

‘I would urge those people to please come forward and tell us what they know. If you live or work locally and have private CCTV or a Ring doorbell please check it to see if it captured anything which may assist us.’

Anyone with information can contact police on 101.