this is bbc news. the headlines... an eight—year—old girl dies and 15 people are injured after a car crashes into a primary school building in south london. this is a very difficult time for everyone here in the school and across the wider community. we will be speaking — across the wider community. we will be speaking like _ across the wider community. we will be speaking like two _ across the wider community. we will be speaking like two wimbledon - across the wider community. we will be speaking like two wimbledon mp| be speaking like two wimbledon mp stephen hammond. yevgeny prigozhin, the founder of the wagner mercenary

group, has left belarus and is back in russia, according to the belarusian president. and meta — the company behind instagram — launches �*threads', as a rival to twitter. we'll be speaking to one of ghana's biggest influencers about why they've joined the app. you are watching bbc news with me lucy gray and dave joey you are watching bbc news with me lucy gray and davejoey has just returned its verdict at liverpool crown court in the case of connor chapman and another man. connor chapman and another man. connor chapman is accused of course of murdering 26—year—olds elle edwards and the attempted murder of two men. that's go and live now to the new scene with nicky schiller. yes. that's go and live now to the new scene with nicky schiller. yes, we have 'ust scene with nicky schiller. yes, we have just heard _ scene with nicky schiller. yes, we have just heard that _ scene with nicky schiller. yes, we have just heard that 23-year-old l have just heard that 23—year—old connor chapman has been found guilty of the murder of 26—year—old elle edwards so connor chapman found guilty of elle edwards's murder. you may remember this hit the headlines

after she was shot dead on christmas eve last year outside the lighthouse pub in wallasey village in the wirral. it all happened shortly before midnight on that christmas eve. now, the trial has been going on for a couple of weeks at liverpool crown court. connor chapman had denied murder and a number of other charges. the jury went out at just after 11 o'clock this morning and have returned their verdicts now. it didn't take them that long to come to their conclusion but connor chapman did murder elle edwards, the 26—year—old, and my colleague nick garnett looks back in the case. counting down to midnight. hugging friends and wishing them a happy christmas. these are among the last moments of elle edwards's life. looking in the shadows outside, a military grade submachine gun in his hands, connor chapman had just one intention, to kill. he fires wildly

as a group of people. elle was one of them. it was from around this area that these shots were fired. a dozen bullets in just area that these shots were fired. a dozen bullets injust underfour seconds and is one of elle edwards being killed, four other men were hit and injured. today, connor chapman, who already had a long criminal record was found guilty of her murder and attempting to kill two other men. i her murder and attempting to kill two other men.— her murder and attempting to kill two other men. i can't understand why someone's — two other men. i can't understand why someone's mind _ two other men. i can't understand why someone's mind could - two other men. i can't understand why someone's mind could be - two other men. i can't understand why someone's mind could be to l two other men. i can't understand i why someone's mind could be to say i'm going to get in the car, drive to a pub full of people with a machine gun and load it up and fire it into a laptop. this machine gun and load it up and fire it into a lepton-— machine gun and load it up and fire it into a laptop. this may have been a reason. it into a laptop. this may have been a reason- 24 — it into a laptop. this may have been a reason. 24 hours _ it into a laptop. this may have been a reason. 24 hours earlier, - it into a laptop. this may have been a reason. 24 hours earlier, two - it into a laptop. this may have been| a reason. 24 hours earlier, two men from a rival gang beating up maxi's friends in broad daylight. on christmas eve, connor chapman set out to take revenge. after the shooting, he dumped the car, dropping the gun and revealing his trademark long hair. two weeks later she fled to a holiday lodge in mid

wales. while he was there with a pregnant partner and a young baby looking on, he was arrested. connor chaman looking on, he was arrested. connor chapman is — looking on, he was arrested. connor chapman is a _ looking on, he was arrested. connor chapman is a despicable _ looking on, he was arrested. connor chapman is a despicable individual l chapman is a despicable individual and this is an absolutely reckless act. he has shown absolutely no remorse since leaving the scene of the lighthouse pub. he has disposed and destroyed of key evidence and try to evade capture, knowing full well that he was wanted by police. merseyside police said it's working hard to rid communities of gangs and drugs. while arrests have been made, one from police inspector says it will always be an uphill battle because of where it is. liverpool has always _ because of where it is. liverpool has always had _ because of where it is. liverpool has always had a _ because of where it is. liverpool has always had a drugs - because of where it is. liverpool| has always had a drugs problem. because of where it is. liverpool i has always had a drugs problem. it always will have because we have a port and that is allowed, in some respect, organised crime groups to take home draw hold and almost continue that particular trade. this is --eole continue that particular trade. this is peeple dying _ continue that particular trade. this is people dying in front of each othen — is people dying in front of each othen i—

is people dying in front of each other. i hope he rots in hell. elle 's was the _ other. i hope he rots in hell. elle 's was the fifth _ other. i hope he rots in hell. elle: 's was the fifth fatal shooting on �*s was the fifth fatal shooting on merseyside in as many months, a cycle of violence which her father says must be ended. nick garnett, bbc news, liverpool. so, that verdict has just come through in the last few minutes but connor chapman who is 23 has been found guilty at liverpool crown court of the murder of elle edwards. she was shot outside the lighthouse pub in wallasey village, the wirral on christmas eve last year and nicky schiller, our report in the newsroom who's been following this for us. we were hearing in ghana's piece there and also it has been said today that he had more than 20 previous convictions.— he had more than 20 previous convictions. . , . , , convictions. that is correct, yes. that is what _ convictions. that is correct, yes. that is what the _ convictions. that is correct, yes. that is what the court _ convictions. that is correct, yes. that is what the court was - convictions. that is correct, yes. that is what the court was told l convictions. that is correct, yes. i that is what the court was told and you heard from my colleague nick garnett, he is in court at the moment and ijust garnett, he is in court at the moment and i just want to reduce information that he sent to us as he was sitting in courses this verdict

was sitting in courses this verdict was read. he said as the verdict was read out elle �*s father who was sitting in the public gallery said yes quietly. he had tears in his eyes as the verdicts were all that out. we should say connor chapman has been convicted of all the charges he faced, so that is also the attempted murder at the two men who are the target of his attack, the wounding of two other men along with the other lesser offences, another man who was also on trial also found guilty on the charge of assisting an offender after she helped burn out the getaway car on new year's eve so that information coming from my colleague, nick garnett who is in court saying that elle �*s father is the verdicts were read out sitting in a public gallery said yes very quietly and that tim edwards had tears in his eyes. so if you are just showing us, the edwards had tears in his eyes. so if you arejust showing us, the news that 23—year—old connor chapman has been found guilty of the murder of 26—year—old elle edwards. she was shot dead at the lighthouse pub in

wallasey village on the wirral shortly before midnight on christmas eve and the prosecution had always alleged that connor chapman was the government. he had denied it but the jury government. he had denied it but the jury taking a few hours to come to their verdict that he was guilty of murder and the other charges that he faced, all part of a feud amongst rival gangs was what the prosecution had said this led to the shooting of elle edwards on christmas eve outside that pub, the lighthouse pub. outside that pub, the lighthouse ub. , , ., , outside that pub, the lighthouse ub. , , ., ., pub. yes, the “my was told that he was a pub. yes, the jury was told that he was a member— pub. yes, the jury was told that he was a member of— pub. yes, the jury was told that he was a member of a _ pub. yes, the jury was told that he was a member of a gang, - pub. yes, the jury was told that he was a member of a gang, that - pub. yes, the jury was told that he was a member of a gang, that he l pub. yes, the jury was told that he i was a member of a gang, that he was involved in a feud with this of the criminal gang from a nearby housing estate in the wirral and two men who were also injured in the shooting were also injured in the shooting were the intended targets of the attack on the court heard how elle edwards was, as we can quote, a wholly innocent victim of a feud between criminal gangs. we have a reporter inside the court, nick garnett who nicky was just quoting from there and we are going to speak

to him as soon as he comes out and we will of course bring you any statements that are made outside of the court. this has been going on for a few weeks, this trial, hasn't it, nicki? and it has been really closely watched because of the issue of gang violence is quite significant, isn't it, in the area? yes, absolutely. i want to review some quotes from nigel power casey in his closing arguments because he said this is not a trial that many of the 12 jury will over forget —— mac to mac. it involves human tragedy in its purest sense. gun crime often involves criminal shooting at each other. there is no doubt that this is such an event but of course there are young, beautiful, unconnected, innocent life was officially ended as a direct result of the then ongoing but for now at least paused gun feud between the ford estate on the wirral on one hand and the wooden church and nigel power kc state on

the other so in his summing up early in that way pointing out about the feud ijust want in that way pointing out about the feud i just want to renew some of the lines nick garnett are correspondent who has been in courses just telling us. correspondent who has been in coursesjust telling us. he correspondent who has been in courses just telling us. he said as thejudge courses just telling us. he said as the judge told the security guards to take tim edwards to the cells tim edwards, elle edwards's father said coward to connor chapman who had hidden the fire, the doctor try to keep out of you so elle edwards's father saying how it is the security guards lead connor chapman away to the cells so —— he had hidden in the corner of the dock to try to keep out of you. so that guilty verdict on 23—year—old connor chapman coming in from elle edwards, 26—year—old shot dead outside the lighthouse pub in wallasey village shortly before christmas eve on midnight as part, as the trial heard, of that ongoing feud between two rival gangs, the ford estate on the wirral and the

wood church estate, also on the other hand so emotional scenes as we are hearing from nick garnett inside the court from the father of elle edwards who of course has been through all of this trial over the last few weeks.— through all of this trial over the last few weeks. we're also hearing that will be — last few weeks. we're also hearing that will be tomorrow _ last few weeks. we're also hearing that will be tomorrow friday - last few weeks. we're also hearing that will be tomorrow friday as - last few weeks. we're also hearing l that will be tomorrow friday as tpm so sentencing tomorrow. we are also hearing that thomas waring, another man was accused of possessing a weapon and assisting in offender and has also been found guilty and both denied the charges against them and just to talk us through what happened on the night we were seeing in the package a little bit earlier these pictures of elle edwards in these pictures of elle edwards in the pub. it was christmas eve last year she was on a night out with friends celebrating christmas, wasn't she?— friends celebrating christmas, wasn't she? ~ , ., �* ,

wasn't she? absolutely and i'm sure man of wasn't she? absolutely and i'm sure many of us — wasn't she? absolutely and i'm sure many of us up _ wasn't she? absolutely and i'm sure many of us up to _ wasn't she? absolutely and i'm sure many of us up to christmas - wasn't she? absolutely and i'm sure many of us up to christmas will- wasn't she? absolutely and i'm sure many of us up to christmas will go l many of us up to christmas will go for a night out with friends as we get towards celebrating christmas and that is exactly what elle edwards was doing with her friends, just going out for a night to the pub before christmas and then she shot dead by connor chapman so, you know, and i think if all of us can remember back to the shock of hearing about that incident when it was dominating the news headlines over christmas just a pure shock because we can all relate to, as i say, just going out for a drink or to see friendsjust say, just going out for a drink or to see friends just before christmas and then as i say, elle edwards shot dead outside that pub, the lighthouse pub in wallasey and today 23—year—old connor chapman being convicted. as you say there were a number of other charges worth reminding viewers. connor chapman was also convicted of two counts of

attempted murder, two of wounding with intent and one of possessing ammunition with intent to endanger life so a number of those charges which connor chapman had denied but thejury taking just a which connor chapman had denied but the jury taking just a couple of hours to decide that he was guilty of the murder of elle edwards back on christmas eve.— on christmas eve. let's bring in nick garnett — on christmas eve. let's bring in nick garnett who _ on christmas eve. let's bring in nick garnett who is _ on christmas eve. let's bring in nick garnett who is outside - nick garnett who is outside liverpool crown court froze. nick, you were there as the sentences were read out. talk as they what happened. this read out. talk as they what happened-— read out. talk as they what happened. read out. talk as they what hauened. a , . , ., happened. as the sentences were read out in court. — happened. as the sentences were read out in court, elle _ happened. as the sentences were read out in court, elle edwards's_ happened. as the sentences were read out in court, elle edwards's family - out in court, elle edwards's family were _ out in court, elle edwards's family were sitting just across the way the public— were sitting just across the way the public gallery to me. they had been warned _ public gallery to me. they had been warned to— public gallery to me. they had been warned to be quiet when the verdicts were being _ warned to be quiet when the verdicts were being read out and as the guilty— were being read out and as the guilty verdict on the first charge which _ guilty verdict on the first charge which was — guilty verdict on the first charge which was the murder of elle edwards was read _ which was the murder of elle edwards was read out tim edwards, her father said, _ was read out tim edwards, her father said. very— was read out tim edwards, her father said, very quietly, yes. at that point, — said, very quietly, yes. at that point, the _ said, very quietly, yes. at that point, the jury then delivered the rest of— point, the jury then delivered the rest of its — point, the jury then delivered the rest of its verdicts and the two men were _ rest of its verdicts and the two men were then _ rest of its verdicts and the two men were then led down to the cells. the

judge _ were then led down to the cells. the judge told _ were then led down to the cells. the judge told the security guard to take them down to the cells. chapman had been _ take them down to the cells. chapman had been sitting on the far corner of the _ had been sitting on the far corner of the dock— had been sitting on the far corner of the dock trying to hide from view from the _ of the dock trying to hide from view from the public and also hide from the view_ from the public and also hide from the view of— from the public and also hide from the view of tim edwards, elle 's father— the view of tim edwards, elle 's father and — the view of tim edwards, elle 's father and as he went down, tim edwards— father and as he went down, tim edwards shouted, gently, just said the word _ edwards shouted, gently, just said the word coward at him. connor chaprnan— the word coward at him. connor chapman and his co—defendant waring who was— chapman and his co—defendant waring who was also found guilty of the charges — who was also found guilty of the charges he faced both lead down and back tomorrow in court for the sentencing now. the sentencing will be part— sentencing now. the sentencing will be part of— sentencing now. the sentencing will be part of the current pilot programme going on at the moment and will be _ programme going on at the moment and will be broadcast live on television, when we will hear the sentencing remarks ofjustice goose the judge, _ sentencing remarks ofjustice goose the judge, who has been going through— the judge, who has been going through this 3.5 week trial. the 'ury through this 3.5 week trial. the jury was— through this 3.5 week trial. the jury was only out first three and a half hours — jury was only out first three and a half hours of deliberation including their lunch, so it took very little time _ their lunch, so it took very little time. about half an hour ago, 40

minutes— time. about half an hour ago, 40 minutes ago, the jury came back to ask a _ minutes ago, the jury came back to ask a question about the co—defendant he was standing trial on lesser— co—defendant he was standing trial on lesser charges and at that point it was— on lesser charges and at that point it was very— on lesser charges and at that point it was very obvious that they'd already— it was very obvious that they'd already considered all the evidence against _ already considered all the evidence against connor chapman and as we know— against connor chapman and as we know now— against connor chapman and as we know now he has been found guilty of all those _ know now he has been found guilty of all those charges and, in many ways, the strength— all those charges and, in many ways, the strength of the conviction, the strength— the strength of the conviction, the strength of the prosecution case meant _ strength of the prosecution case meant there was little to answer. if i meant there was little to answer. if i -o meant there was little to answer. if i go through some of the reasons why he was _ i go through some of the reasons why he was convicted. he was caught out by his— he was convicted. he was caught out by his phone — he was convicted. he was caught out by his phone records, first and foremost _ by his phone records, first and foremost. he had a mobile phone that was with— foremost. he had a mobile phone that was with him and the stolen car in exactly— was with him and the stolen car in exactly the — was with him and the stolen car in exactly the same proximity. 141 times— exactly the same proximity. 141 times during the three—month that he was driving _ times during the three—month that he was driving around in a stolen mercedes. what he didn't realise was that all— mercedes. what he didn't realise was that all modern cars have a sim card inside _ that all modern cars have a sim card inside them — that all modern cars have a sim card inside them which the location of the car— inside them which the location of the car and — inside them which the location of the car and the police were able to find out _ the car and the police were able to find out exactly where the car was and where — find out exactly where the car was and where his mobile phone was and they spotted that 141 times in the

last few— they spotted that 141 times in the last few months they were in exactly the same _ last few months they were in exactly the same location. —— the last three months _ the same location. —— the last three months. extensively used burner phones _ months. extensively used burner phones to— months. extensively used burner phones to try and hide what was going _ phones to try and hide what was going on— phones to try and hide what was going on in— phones to try and hide what was going on in the run—up to the shooting _ going on in the run—up to the shooting and in the days afterwards. those _ shooting and in the days afterwards. those phones will track two of the phone _ those phones will track two of the phone calls and that information was used, _ phone calls and that information was used. as— phone calls and that information was used, as well. there was dna evidence _ used, as well. there was dna evidence linking him to the crime. first _ evidence linking him to the crime. first of— evidence linking him to the crime. first of all. — evidence linking him to the crime. first of all, there was dna evidence of the _ first of all, there was dna evidence of the cartridges that was recovered from the _ of the cartridges that was recovered from the shooting and secondly there was dna_ from the shooting and secondly there was dna evidence inside a glove that the gunmen had been wearing. clothing — the gunmen had been wearing. clothing linked to the shooting was found _ clothing linked to the shooting was found inside his house and crucially, _ found inside his house and crucially, perhaps, she may have seen _ crucially, perhaps, she may have seen in _ crucially, perhaps, she may have seen in the — crucially, perhaps, she may have seen in the piece that we put on air a short— seen in the piece that we put on air a short time — seen in the piece that we put on air a short time ago, there was a video in which _ a short time ago, there was a video in which he — a short time ago, there was a video in which he was walking down the road, _ in which he was walking down the road, having abandoned the car at a friends _ road, having abandoned the car at a friends house. he dropped the gun on the road _ friends house. he dropped the gun on the road and — friends house. he dropped the gun on the road and as he bent down to pick it up. _ the road and as he bent down to pick it up. his _ the road and as he bent down to pick it up, his hoodie, the hood and his hoodie _ it up, his hoodie, the hood and his hoodie fell— it up, his hoodie, the hood and his hoodie fell back, revealing his trademark long hair and at that point, — trademark long hair and at that point, that was really the crucial evidence — point, that was really the crucial evidence. now, behind me, we'rejust

going— evidence. now, behind me, we'rejust going to— evidence. now, behind me, we'rejust going to move off camera from me. here _ going to move off camera from me. here is _ going to move off camera from me. here is the — going to move off camera from me. here is the family. tim, could you say a _ here is the family. tim, could you say a word? — here is the family. tim, could you say a word? |_ here is the family. tim, could you say a word?— say a word? i will after the sentencing _ say a word? i will after the sentencing tomorrow. - say a word? i will after the sentencing tomorrow. just| say a word? i will after the l sentencing tomorrow. just a say a word? i will after the - sentencing tomorrow. just a very brief were — sentencing tomorrow. just a very brief were just _ sentencing tomorrow. just a very brief were just now _ sentencing tomorrow. just a very brief were just now the _ sentencing tomorrow. just a very brief were just now the bbc. - sentencing tomorrow. just a very brief were just now the bbc. we | sentencing tomorrow. just a very - brief were just now the bbc. we know that you _ brief were just now the bbc. we know that you want to talk tomorrow but 'ust that you want to talk tomorrow but just your _ that you want to talk tomorrow but just your reactions now to what is happening — just your reactions now to what is happening today. just your reactions now to what is happening today-— just your reactions now to what is happening today. well, we got the result we wanted. _ happening today. well, we got the result we wanted. justice - happening today. well, we got the result we wanted. justice felt - happening today. well, we got the result we wanted. justice felt elle | result we wanted. justice felt elle is what _ result we wanted. justice felt elle is what it— result we wanted. justice felt elle is what it has— result we wanted. justice felt elle is what it has always _ result we wanted. justice felt elle is what it has always been - result we wanted. justice felt elle is what it has always been about. | is what it has always been about. those _ is what it has always been about. those two — is what it has always been about. those two cowards _ is what it has always been about. those two cowards and _ is what it has always been about. those two cowards and there - is what it has always been about. - those two cowards and there decided to drag _ those two cowards and there decided to drag it _ those two cowards and there decided to drag it out — those two cowards and there decided to drag it out for— those two cowards and there decided to drag it out for four— those two cowards and there decided to drag it out for four weeks - those two cowards and there decided to drag it out for four weeks but - to drag it out for four weeks but all these — to drag it out for four weeks but all these people _ to drag it out for four weeks but all these people do— to drag it out for four weeks but all these people do that - to drag it out for four weeks but all these people do that and - all these people do that and everyone _ all these people do that and everyone else _ all these people do that and everyone else around - all these people do that and everyone else around me i all these people do that and - everyone else around me involved in the case. _ everyone else around me involved in the case. can't — everyone else around me involved in the case, can't thank _ everyone else around me involved in the case, can't thank the _ everyone else around me involved in the case, can't thank the police - everyone else around me involved in the case, can't thank the police and i the case, can't thank the police and offer— the case, can't thank the police and offer what _ the case, can't thank the police and offer what they _ the case, can't thank the police and offer what they did _ the case, can't thank the police and offer what they did and _ the case, can't thank the police and offer what they did and we - the case, can't thank the police and offer what they did and we got - the case, can't thank the police andl offer what they did and we got there in the _ offer what they did and we got there in the end _ offer what they did and we got there in the end and— offer what they did and we got there in the end and the _ offer what they did and we got there in the end and the right _ offer what they did and we got there in the end and the right result. - offer what they did and we got there in the end and the right result. youi in the end and the right result. you know— in the end and the right result. you know what? — in the end and the right result. you know what? i— in the end and the right result. you know what? i hope _ in the end and the right result. you know what? i hope them _ in the end and the right result. you know what? i hope them to - in the end and the right result. you know what? i hope them to never i in the end and the right result. you i know what? i hope them to never see another— know what? i hope them to never see another christmas _ know what? i hope them to never see another christmas again _ know what? i hope them to never see another christmas again in _ know what? i hope them to never see another christmas again in their - another christmas again in their lives _ another christmas again in their lives. ., ., ., , ., lives. connor chapman try to hide from ou lives. connor chapman try to hide from you in _ lives. connor chapman try to hide from you in the _ lives. connor chapman try to hide from you in the dock. _ lives. connor chapman try to hide from you in the dock. he - lives. connor chapman try to hide from you in the dock. he tried - lives. connor chapman try to hide from you in the dock. he tried to | from you in the dock. he tried to keep— from you in the dock. he tried to keep his — from you in the dock. he tried to keep his head so we couldn't see. i have keep his head so we couldn't see. have had my keep his head so we couldn't see. i have had my eyes on him for four

weeks. _ have had my eyes on him for four weeks. three _ have had my eyes on him for four weeks, three weeks, _ have had my eyes on him for four weeks, three weeks, and - have had my eyes on him for four weeks, three weeks, and he - have had my eyes on him for four weeks, three weeks, and he hasl have had my eyes on him for four. weeks, three weeks, and he has not looked _ weeks, three weeks, and he has not looked at _ weeks, three weeks, and he has not looked at me — weeks, three weeks, and he has not looked at me once _ weeks, three weeks, and he has not looked at me once because - weeks, three weeks, and he has not looked at me once because he - weeks, three weeks, and he has not looked at me once because he is- weeks, three weeks, and he has not looked at me once because he is a l looked at me once because he is a coward _ looked at me once because he is a coward and — looked at me once because he is a coward and that _ looked at me once because he is a coward and that is _ looked at me once because he is a coward and that is exacting - looked at me once because he is a coward and that is exacting what l looked at me once because he is a. coward and that is exacting what he is. i coward and that is exacting what he is icouldn't— coward and that is exacting what he is. i couldn't care _ coward and that is exacting what he is. i couldn't care less _ coward and that is exacting what he is. i couldn't care less about- coward and that is exacting what he is. i couldn't care less about him. i is. i couldn't care less about him. iwill_ is. i couldn't care less about him. twill never. — is. icouldn't care less about him. i will never, ever— is. i couldn't care less about him. i will never, ever n _ is. icouldn't care less about him. i will never, ever n mention- is. i couldn't care less about him. i will never, ever n mention his l i will never, ever n mention his name — i will never, ever n mention his name i— i will never, ever n mention his name i hope _ i will never, ever n mention his name i hope he— i will never, ever n mention his name. i hope he rots— i will never, ever n mention his name. i hope he rots in- i will never, ever n mention his name. i hope he rots in hell. i i will never, ever n mention his name. i hope he rots in hell. spoken due to the last _ name. i hope he rots in hell. spoken due to the last six _ name. i hope he rots in hell. spoken due to the last six and _ name. i hope he rots in hell. spoken due to the last six and since - name. i hope he rots in hell. spoken due to the last six and since this - due to the last six and since this happened. — due to the last six and since this happened, how much is this? it is a bi relief happened, how much is this? it is a big relief because _ happened, how much is this? it is a big relief because now— happened, how much is this? it is a big relief because now we _ happened, how much is this? it is a big relief because now we can - happened, how much is this? it is a big relief because now we can start again _ big relief because now we can start again we — big relief because now we can start again we have _ big relief because now we can start again. we have lived _ big relief because now we can start again. we have lived through - big relief because now we can start again. we have lived through hell. again. we have lived through hell and we _ again. we have lived through hell and we deserve _ again. we have lived through hell and we deserve now— again. we have lived through hell and we deserve now to _ again. we have lived through hell and we deserve now to be - again. we have lived through hell and we deserve now to be given. again. we have lived through hell. and we deserve now to be given the life back— and we deserve now to be given the life back that— and we deserve now to be given the life back that we _ and we deserve now to be given the life back that we had _ and we deserve now to be given the life back that we had before, - and we deserve now to be given the life back that we had before, whichi life back that we had before, which will never— life back that we had before, which will never be — life back that we had before, which will never be the _ life back that we had before, which will never be the same. _ life back that we had before, which will never be the same. and - life back that we had before, which will never be the same. and we - life back that we had before, which| will never be the same. and we can justm _ will never be the same. and we can justm it _ will never be the same. and we can justm it is— will never be the same. and we can justm it isjust_ will never be the same. and we can just... it isjust now— will never be the same. and we can just... it isjust now a _ will never be the same. and we can just... it isjust now a new- just... it isjust now a new chapter _ just... it isjust now a new chapter it _ just... it isjust now a new chapter. it is _ just... it isjust now a new chapter. it is a _ just... it isjust now a new chapter. it is a new- just... it isjust now a new. chapter. it is a new beginning just... it isjust now a new- chapter. it is a new beginning for our family — chapter. it is a new beginning for ourfamily~ big— chapter. it is a new beginning for our family. big day. _ chapter. it is a new beginning for ourfamily. big day. it— chapter. it is a new beginning for our family. big day. it is - chapter. it is a new beginning for our family. big day. it is the - chapter. it is a new beginning fori our family. big day. it is the worst day but _ our family. big day. it is the worst day but the — our family. big day. it is the worst day but the best _ our family. big day. it is the worst day but the best of— our family. big day. it is the worst day but the best of the _ our family. big day. it is the worst day but the best of the worst - our family. big day. it is the worst day but the best of the worst day. | day but the best of the worst day. that's _ day but the best of the worst day. that's all— day but the best of the worst day. that's all i'd — day but the best of the worst day. that's all i'd say. _ day but the best of the worst day. that's all i'd say. thank _ day but the best of the worst day. that's all i'd say. thank you, - that's all i'd say. thank you, everyone _ that's all i'd say. thank you, everyone-— that's all i'd say. thank you, everyone. that's all i'd say. thank you, eve one. . ., , everyone. thank you. that is tim edwards giving — everyone. thank you. that is tim edwards giving his _ everyone. thank you. that is tim edwards giving his reaction - everyone. thank you. that is tim edwards giving his reaction as i everyone. thank you. that is tim edwards giving his reaction as he|

edwards giving his reaction as he came _ edwards giving his reaction as he came out— edwards giving his reaction as he came out of court talking about the actions _ came out of court talking about the actions of— came out of court talking about the actions of chapman and waring who were in_ actions of chapman and waring who were in court. i was telling you before — were in court. i was telling you before him _ were in court. i was telling you before him about the amount of evidence — before him about the amount of evidence that was put forward before the court _ evidence that was put forward before the court and that there was no way that the _ the court and that there was no way that the prosecution felt that anything would go wrong with this one. anything would go wrong with this one they— anything would go wrong with this one. they were absolutely confident that they _ one. they were absolutely confident that they were going to get the conviction and what's more interesting perhaps is that in some ways even— interesting perhaps is that in some ways even chapman's and defence team knew it _ ways even chapman's and defence team knew it in _ ways even chapman's and defence team knew it. in their closing statements as they— knew it. in their closing statements as they gave their side to the jury to help _ as they gave their side to the jury to help them deliberate, their defence — to help them deliberate, their defence barristers says he's done nothing _ defence barristers says he's done nothing good in his life, he is wasted — nothing good in his life, he is wasted it~ _ nothing good in his life, he is wasted it. you name it, he's done it. wasted it. you name it, he's done it from _ wasted it. you name it, he's done it from what— wasted it. you name it, he's done it. from what you heard, there's nothing — it. from what you heard, there's nothing to— it. from what you heard, there's nothing to like about him. no sympathy. he went on, it's hard to think— sympathy. he went on, it's hard to think how— sympathy. he went on, it's hard to think how he could make it worse for himself— think how he could make it worse for himself but— think how he could make it worse for himself but he does, talking about his decision not to call his only alibi _ his decision not to call his only alibi which— his decision not to call his only alibi which was his partner, his barrister— alibi which was his partner, his barrister said he doesn't even call his partner—

barrister said he doesn't even call his partner as a witness. none of it helps _ his partner as a witness. none of it helps them — his partner as a witness. none of it helps them. now, chapman had a gang injunction _ helps them. now, chapman had a gang injunction in _ helps them. now, chapman had a gang injunction in place and that was to prevent— injunction in place and that was to prevent him from being a member of a gang _ prevent him from being a member of a gang he_ prevent him from being a member of a gang. he was a member, perhaps a junior— gang. he was a member, perhaps a junior memberofa gang gang. he was a member, perhaps a junior member of a gang in the wood church— junior member of a gang in the wood church and _ junior member of a gang in the wood church and state in wirral and they were _ church and state in wirral and they were involved in a long running feud with a _ were involved in a long running feud with a gang — were involved in a long running feud with a gang from another nearby state _ with a gang from another nearby state called the ford or beechwood estates _ state called the ford or beechwood estates -- — state called the ford or beechwood estates. —— connor chapman was from the mac— estates. —— connor chapman was from the mac too~ _ estates. —— connor chapman was from the mac too. woodchurch estate that had been _ the mac too. woodchurch estate that had been escalating. there had been various— had been escalating. there had been various shootings, burglaries and beatings — various shootings, burglaries and beatings and 24 hours before the shooting — beatings and 24 hours before the shooting took place one of connor chapman's— shooting took place one of connor chapman's friends was a tax on the street— chapman's friends was a tax on the street by— chapman's friends was a tax on the street by team aden and beaten to a pulp by— street by team aden and beaten to a pulp by then he then escaped in went away and _ pulp by then he then escaped in went away and that was seen as were the catalysts _ away and that was seen as were the catalysts of — away and that was seen as were the catalysts of what happened —— his friend _ catalysts of what happened —— his friend was— catalysts of what happened —— his friend was attacked on the street by two men _ friend was attacked on the street by two men. those two men who carried out that— two men. those two men who carried out that beating were in the pub and connor— out that beating were in the pub and connor chapman was convicted of

attempted murder both of those men who have _ attempted murder both of those men who have also been convicted of that attack _ who have also been convicted of that attack and _ who have also been convicted of that attack and are currently serving prison — attack and are currently serving prison sentences as a result of that _ prison sentences as a result of that this— prison sentences as a result of that. this trial, 3.5 weeks long. the jury— that. this trial, 3.5 weeks long. the jury has— that. this trial, 3.5 weeks long. the jury has seen a huge amount of evidence _ the jury has seen a huge amount of evidence and an awful lot of video evidence — evidence and an awful lot of video evidence as well was put to them and really— evidence as well was put to them and really at _ evidence as well was put to them and really at the — evidence as well was put to them and really at the end of it it came down to the _ really at the end of it it came down to the 35— really at the end of it it came down to the 3.5 hours of deliberating before — to the 3.5 hours of deliberating before they came back very quickly on the _ before they came back very quickly on the thursday that they had been sent out— on the thursday that they had been sent out to — on the thursday that they had been sent out to deliberate their verdicts— sent out to deliberate their verdicts and found connor chapman guilty— verdicts and found connor chapman guilty on _ verdicts and found connor chapman guilty on all charges and his coach oozed. _ guilty on all charges and his coach oozed, thomas waring, a man who was the accomplice who helped burn out the accomplice who helped burn out the vehicle — the accomplice who helped burn out the vehicle when they did and also kept hold — the vehicle when they did and also kept hold of the gun after the shooting, he's also been convicted in both— shooting, he's also been convicted in both men have been sentenced at two o'clock— in both men have been sentenced at two o'clock tomorrow afternoon. we're _ two o'clock tomorrow afternoon. we're just — two o'clock tomorrow afternoon. we're just looking at a picture connor chapman. do stay with us at the moment because ijust want to be that a statement from the senior investigating officer who has said

that connor chapman has continued to deny his involvement in la's death, forcing the family to endure the ordeal of a trial where they have had to relive over and over the last moments of her life. his cowardly actions on that night rightly shocks the whole of merseyside in the uk. decided his intended targets while they were stood outside in a crouch is the arrogance and contempt he had of anyone else —— to fire it is intended targets while the rest of outside in a crowd. he then tried to evade justice outside in a crowd. he then tried to evadejustice by taking himself outside in a crowd. he then tried to evade justice by taking himself off to wales where he was eventually detained two weeks elle 's med. the jury detained two weeks elle 's med. the jury has seen through his lives and rightly convicted him. i'm pleased we have seen justice and a dangerous man has been reached on the streets of merseyside. i would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to elle edwards's family who despite his own investigation and trial of a main dignified and composed despite being forced to relive the horrific events of christmas eve. i hope they can now start to properly grieve the loss and i would also like to take

the opportunity to thank the investigation team for their continued hard work and commitment to the cps and in particular nigel power kc and katie appleton for the successful prosecution of the case. nick, you have been talking a lot about the involvement of gangs in this. can you just tell us a little bit about the concerns about the police's ability to crack down on gang activity in merseyside? weill. gang activity in merseyside? well, there is a big _ gang activity in merseyside? well, there is a big problem _ gang activity in merseyside? well, there is a big problem with - gang activity in merseyside? well, there is a big problem with gangs on merseyside in general. privately, they admit that there are over 100 organised — they admit that there are over 100 organised criminal gangs operating in the _ organised criminal gangs operating in the merseyside area. now, many of those _ in the merseyside area. now, many of those are _ in the merseyside area. now, many of those are not— in the merseyside area. now, many of those are not huge gangs, not the cg is, those are not huge gangs, not the cg is. the _ those are not huge gangs, not the cg is, the organised crime groups that you may— is, the organised crime groups that you may have heard about in a programme like line of duty? —— 0cgs~ _ programme like line of duty? —— ocgs. these are small things referred — ocgs. these are small things referred to as urban street gangs

and basically hooligans which she refused _ and basically hooligans which she refused to go up and into their 20s. connor— refused to go up and into their 20s. connor chapman acted like a teenager. started getting in trouble when he _ teenager. started getting in trouble when he was in his teenage years and every— when he was in his teenage years and every time _ when he was in his teenage years and every time he turned he was in trouble — every time he turned he was in trouble with police whether stealing cars, dealing drugs. it was a small time _ cars, dealing drugs. it was a small time what — cars, dealing drugs. it was a small time what you could refer to a liverpool— time what you could refer to a liverpool valley, which is the city came _ liverpool valley, which is the city came from. — liverpool valley, which is the city came from, as a small—time scally. he was— came from, as a small—time scally. he was a _ came from, as a small—time scally. he was a troublemaker, and annoyance. but behind—the—scenes he was growing _ annoyance. but behind—the—scenes he was growing up in and around guns and that— was growing up in and around guns and that problem, that awareness of .uns and that problem, that awareness of guns in _ and that problem, that awareness of guns in that— and that problem, that awareness of guns in that availability of guns is the problem so the police have been since _ the problem so the police have been since 2000 — the problem so the police have been since 2000 fibre merseyside the police _ since 2000 fibre merseyside the police have had a matrix set up which _ police have had a matrix set up which uses _ police have had a matrix set up which uses specially trained officers _ which uses specially trained officers and one of its key aims is to try— officers and one of its key aims is to try and — officers and one of its key aims is to try and disrupt the behaviour of gangs _ to try and disrupt the behaviour of gangs and — to try and disrupt the behaviour of gangs and disrupt the ability of banks— gangs and disrupt the ability of banks to — gangs and disrupt the ability of banks to operate. the police say that they — banks to operate. the police say that they want to try and make communities whether that be ones on this side _ communities whether that be ones on this side of— communities whether that be ones on this side of the river mersey or mac forward _ this side of the river mersey or mac forward on— this side of the river mersey or mac forward on the other side, they want to try— forward on the other side, they want to try and _ forward on the other side, they want to try and make the toxic and one of

the ways— to try and make the toxic and one of the ways they are trying to do that is cut— the ways they are trying to do that is cut down— the ways they are trying to do that is cut down on the number of people use drugs— is cut down on the number of people use drugs because fewer people use drugs _ use drugs because fewer people use drugs there is less of a demand for drugs _ drugs there is less of a demand for drugs and — drugs there is less of a demand for drugs and therefore less of the market— drugs and therefore less of the market for the gangster operating and that— market for the gangster operating and that is the kind of thing they are trying — and that is the kind of thing they are trying to do. if we just move over— are trying to do. if we just move over another tv crew are just near me and _ over another tv crew are just near me and that — over another tv crew are just near me and that is an element of what they are _ me and that is an element of what they are trying to do, trying to make — they are trying to do, trying to make these areas so gangs cannot operate _ make these areas so gangs cannot operate in — make these areas so gangs cannot operate in them. you will have seen this on— operate in them. you will have seen this on the _ operate in them. you will have seen this on the bbc and read it on the bbc website today, there has been a hu-e bbc website today, there has been a huge police operation ongoing trying to disrupt _ huge police operation ongoing trying to disrupt the supply and availability of cannabis and that is availability of cannabis and that is a huge _ availability of cannabis and that is a huge moneymaker for gangs. they can operate — a huge moneymaker for gangs. they can operate that and actually get hold of— can operate that and actually get hold of cannabis without having to import _ hold of cannabis without having to import it — hold of cannabis without having to import it and go to the trouble of that _ import it and go to the trouble of that it _ import it and go to the trouble of that it can— import it and go to the trouble of that. it can be grown in this country— that. it can be grown in this country and then sold on its huge amounts — country and then sold on its huge amounts of— country and then sold on its huge amounts of profit and the police's actions _ amounts of profit and the police's actions are — amounts of profit and the police's actions are to try to disrupt that activity. — actions are to try to disrupt that activity, disrupt those markets to try and _ activity, disrupt those markets to try and stop gangs having the free market _ try and stop gangs having the free

market that they currently have. this is _ market that they currently have. this is an — market that they currently have. this is an example of what has happened _ this is an example of what has happened over on the wirral and the last six— happened over on the wirral and the last six months has been a huge push into the _ last six months has been a huge push into the area. it has led to dozens and dozens— into the area. it has led to dozens and dozens of arrests, a huge amounts _ and dozens of arrests, a huge amounts of drugs being taken, money that has— amounts of drugs being taken, money that has been, the proceeds of crime has been _ that has been, the proceeds of crime has been seized, luxury goods have been _ has been seized, luxury goods have been seized as well and this is a way to— been seized as well and this is a way to try— been seized as well and this is a way to try and disrupt them and stop them _ way to try and disrupt them and stop them from _ way to try and disrupt them and stop them from operating there but it is a huge _ them from operating there but it is a huge task. over them from operating there but it is a huge task. 0ver100 them from operating there but it is a huge task. over 100 organised gangs _ a huge task. over 100 organised gangs operating in the merseyside area and _ gangs operating in the merseyside area and that takes an awful long time _ area and that takes an awful long time for— area and that takes an awful long time for them to be able to disrupt in every— time for them to be able to disrupt in every single area of this region. thanks— in every single area of this region. thanks very— in every single area of this region. thanks very much for now, nick gannets. do stay with us obviously if the police, to make a statement but first let's talk to somebody from victim support and we can speak now to the homicide service manager at vixen support. lat. hi.

now to the homicide service manager at vixen support. lat.— at vixen support. lat. hi, lucy. -- victim sopport- _ at vixen support. lat. hi, lucy. -- victim support. the _ at vixen support. lat. hi, lucy. -- victim support. the father - at vixen support. lat. hi, lucy. -- victim support. the father of - at vixen support. lat. hi, lucy. -- victim support. the father of elle l victim support. the father of elle edwards talks about what a relief it wasn't the support of being able to start again in huge support is required for victims like him and how on earth does he go about trying to start over again? yes, indeed. firstly i would like to give my condolences to the family and those affected by home side. hearing about cases like this in the news can be very triggering. as you said, trial can be the key point for families and does building for them but whatever the outcome of the trial, they are still left with the loss of that moving forward. as the homicide service, we will give families bereaved by homicide that support to

try and help them recover and move forward from such tragic circumstances. i forward from such tragic circumstances. , , ., , circumstances. i suppose a guilty verdict does _ circumstances. i suppose a guilty verdict does help _ circumstances. i suppose a guilty verdict does help somewhat - circumstances. i suppose a guilty verdict does help somewhat in i circumstances. i suppose a guilty i verdict does help somewhat in that process but obviously you heard him saying there perhaps that he is saying there perhaps that he is saying he couldn't look at the person that murdered his daughter throughout the service. he doesn't want to talk about him, doesn't want to mention his name again but i suppose that verdict does help, doesn't it? this suppose that verdict does help, doesn't it?— suppose that verdict does help, doesn't it? . , ., doesn't it? as i said, the trial can be a key point — doesn't it? as i said, the trial can be a key point for _ doesn't it? as i said, the trial can be a key point for families - doesn't it? as i said, the trial can be a key point for families but. be a key point for families but after the outcome, whenever that is, there is still that sort of need to recover and move forward. families often find... got to think about and... focus on that and move forward. ., , and... focus on that and move forward. . , . ., forward. 0k. thanks very much for talkin: us forward. 0k. thanks very much for talking us through _ forward. 0k. thanks very much for talking us through that. _ forward. 0k. thanks very much for talking us through that. i - forward. 0k. thanks very much for talking us through that. i do - talking us through that. i do appreciate it. obviously, there's a

lot to say but i know you can't comment on this particular case, can you? let's go back to nick gannett and speak to him outside liverpool crown court. nick, we were hearing from the family there about their reaction to these verdicts. just remind us again because both men who were on trial have been found guilty. just give us a sum up of what's happened today in court. tiara what's happened today in court. two men have been convicted today of the murder— men have been convicted today of the murder of— men have been convicted today of the murder of elle edwards. if you were near a _ murder of elle edwards. if you were near a television or a radio set on christmas — near a television or a radio set on christmas day you will remember elle fdwards's_ christmas day you will remember elle edwards's name because the story of her death— edwards's name because the story of her death reverberated around the world _ her death reverberated around the world this— her death reverberated around the world. this was a woman who went round _ world. this was a woman who went round draw— world. this was a woman who went round draw out on christmas eve to id round draw out on christmas eve to go with— round draw out on christmas eve to go with her— round draw out on christmas eve to go with her friends. she went to a local— go with her friends. she went to a local pub — go with her friends. she went to a local pub and came out to have a cigarette — local pub and came out to have a cigarette. she sat down on the edge of a planter where there was some buses— of a planter where there was some buses in_ of a planter where there was some buses in front behind her and sat there _ buses in front behind her and sat there having a cigarette with her friends —

there having a cigarette with her friends. at that point, connor chapman. _ friends. at that point, connor chapman, who had been skulking in the shadows are about three hours hiding _ the shadows are about three hours hiding and — the shadows are about three hours hiding and keeping out of sight, sitting _ hiding and keeping out of sight, sitting on— hiding and keeping out of sight, sitting on the back—seat of a stolen mercedes _ sitting on the back—seat of a stolen mercedes car that he had been driving — mercedes car that he had been driving around for three months came out of— driving around for three months came out of the _ driving around for three months came out of the shadows, turn round the corner— out of the shadows, turn round the corner and — out of the shadows, turn round the corner and shot straight at the back of file _ corner and shot straight at the back of elle edwards and the men standing in front— of elle edwards and the men standing in front of— of elle edwards and the men standing in front of her. two of those men were _ in front of her. two of those men were the — in front of her. two of those men were the intended targets of the attack _ were the intended targets of the attack. they were the only people that connor chapman was aiming at but he _ that connor chapman was aiming at but he didn't realise that connor chapman— but he didn't realise that connor chapman was there perhaps or he didn't— chapman was there perhaps or he didn't care — chapman was there perhaps or he didn't care that she was there and he shot— didn't care that she was there and he shot her — didn't care that she was there and he shot her. —— he didn't realise that— he shot her. —— he didn't realise that file — he shot her. —— he didn't realise that elle edwards was there. she was shot twice _ that elle edwards was there. she was shot twice in the back ahead. it is an appalling trial to shock people throughout this area that the trial. throughout this area that the trial. today. _ throughout this area that the trial. today, both men have been convicted today. _ throughout this area that the trial. today, both men have been convicted and sentenced tomorrow at liverpool and sentenced tomorrow at liverpool crown _ and sentenced tomorrow at liverpool crown court — and sentenced tomorrow at liverpool crown _ and sentenced tomorrow at liverpool crown court — and sentenced tomorrow at liverpool crown court. -- and sentenced tomorrow at liverpool crown court-— crown court. -- and sentenced tomorrow at liverpool crown court-— crown court. -- they will be crown court. -- they will be sentenced. _ sentenced. _ crown court. -- they will be sentenced. as _ crown court. -- they will be crown court. -- they will be sentenced. as _ crown court. -- they will be

sentenced. as you - crown court. -- they will be| sentenced. as you mention, crown court. -- they will be - sentenced. as you mention, that sentenced. as you - crown court. -- they will be| sentenced. as you mention, crown court. -- they will be - sentenced. as you mention, that sentencing will be tomorrow at sentencing will be tomorrow at tpm. you're watching bbc news. live from london. this is bbc news.