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Family pen letter to shot teen who 'left big hole'

Family handout A young man with long brown hair smiles at the camera at a restaurant, sitting next to an elderly ladyFamily handout
Ellis Cox was killed on an industrial estate on Merseyside in June this year

The family of man who was shot dead in an industrial estate have written him a letter six months after his death recalling their "immeasurable pain".

Ellis Cox was found injured with gun shot wounds at the Liver Industrial Estate in Aintree on Merseyside, on 23 June and died later in hospital.

The 19-year-old's killer has not been found despite numerous appeals.

Mr Cox's relatives told him in the letter how much he was adored and how his empty presence had "left a big hole".

Family handout A young teen with short brown hair, wearing a black hoodie, smiles at the cameraFamily handout
Ellis has been described as a "gentle giant" by family and friends

"We miss every ounce of you," the letter read.

"Nothing will be the same again without you. Our lives are changed forever".

It said the family had endured "184 days, 4,391 hours and 263,460 minutes" without their "beautiful Ellis".

'Nothing is the same'

The letter described how Ellis' mother, Carolyn Cox, was being "so strong" despite being heartbroken.

The family was "still trying to catch our breath, but it's so hard without you", it added.

Ellis' "banter" and "one liners" and even him "cracking" his knuckles were described as some of the things the family missed the most.

"Nothing is the same without you," the letter added.

Family handout A young teen with long brown hair holds a small babyFamily handout
His mother said he was a "very good" and "amazing" son

Merseyside Police believe Mr Cox was shot with a self-loading pistol as he made his way home through the industrial estate after going to Southport with friends.

His mum said he had called her shortly before and told her he would be "home in five minutes".

Mr Cox's family will walk along the cycle loopline in Aintree later, near to where he was killed.

They will be handing out flyers to appeal for information during the walk, which begins at 13:00 GMT at the Grace Road entrance.

Three men and a boy, 17, have previously been arrested in connection with Mr Cox's death but no-one has been charged.

The force is continuing to appeal for information.

Det Ch Insp Steve McGrath said: "I completely understand that speaking up could be daunting, but when people are willing to support the police we will ensure every possible avenue is progressed to protect them".

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