Man shot dead after prison visit

A gunman shot dead a teenager who was leaving a prison after visiting a friend.

The 19-year-old man was shot in the head as he walked out of Altcourse Prison in Higher Lane in Fazakerley, Merseyside, at around 8pm, police said.

The victim, who has not been named, collapsed on the street and members of the public ran to his aid.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "Staff at the prison called police when they were alerted by a concerned member of the public who had gone to the aid of the victim after he collapsed close to the front entrance of the prison.

"The 19-year-old, who is believed to be from the Walton area, suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

"He was taken to hospital but died of his injuries.

"It is believed the victim had been visiting a friend at the prison and was shot as he walked away from the entrance."

Murder squad detectives are keen to trace a small white van seen leaving the area at the time of the shooting.

Roads around the prison entrance were cordoned off while forensic experts examined the scene.

Detectives are also examining CCTV footage from around the prison in a bid to trace the gunman.