EIGHT men were today arrested over the murder of a young Merseyside dad more than three years ago.Stephen Lloyd, 25, was blasted repeatedly and left slumped behind the wheel of a van in an apparent gangland hit.
Gunshots were heard ringing out on Redfern Street, Bootle, at about 5.15pm on Thursday July 13, 2006.
Workers who rushed to the scene found Stephen’s body in the driver’s seat of a white Kangoo van parked in the car park. The windows had been blasted out.
Mr Lloyd had tried to drive the few yards back into MWM Waste Services, where he worked, to get help from his colleagues, but died moments later.
It is believed his killers lay in wait, knowing he would be leaving work soon.
The masked gunman and his accomplice escaped from the scene in a white Ford Transit van. Minutes later they dumped and torched the van in nearby Bedford Road.
Today, officers raided 11 properties in north Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley.
The eight suspects were set to be questioned by detectives at stations across Merseyside.
Det Supt Ian Kemble, leading the investigation, said: "This is the culmination of an extensive investigation in to the murder of Stephen Lloyd three years ago and those arrested are currently being interviewed by a team of detectives across Merseyside.
"Stephen's family are still coming to terms with his murder and can't rest until justice is done.
"Today's activity shows that Merseyside Police is committed to thoroughly investigating serious crime and finding those responsible so that justice can be done for the families who have to live with the loss of a loved."
Anyone who may have information in connection with Stephen Lloyd's murder should contact the Major Incident Room on 0151 777 8695, 0151 777 8693 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. THE ECHO
