Dad cradles shot son in his arms while brother, 16, tries to save him
Michael killed by thug on electric bike
A GUN victim died in his dad’s arms after being shot in the back and chest by a thug – despite a desperate bid by his brother to save him.
Michael Rainsford was hit as he tried to flee the killer, who opened fire through the kitchen window before escaping on an electric bike.
The 20-year-old’s dad, also called Michael, and brother Joshua, 16, tried in vain to stop the bleeding and he was later pronounced dead in hospital. Michael, 53, said: “We were all in the house. I was standing next to Mikey, when the shots came through the window. I heard two huge sonic bangs, I’ve never heard a sound like it before.
“Mikey slumped to the floor, he just died there. His face just drained. His younger brother Joshua ran and got another phone and had a towel, too. He was amazing. Joshua was calmer than I was. He helped me do CPR as we tried to keep Mikey alive.
“He was shot in the front and as he tried to run off, he was shot in the back.
“The pain and loss we are all feeling is unbearable. We will never get over this senseless loss of Mikey. It’s pointless and ridiculous, not a tit-for-tat incident.”
Michael was taken from his home in Litherland, Merseyside, to Aintree
Hospital. A postmortem confirmed he died from gunshot wounds.
Police have told Michael Snr, partner Joanne, 43, daughter Jess, 22, and Joshua to leave their home as the murder investigation continues.
The family paid tribute to a “lovely lad” who had never been in trouble. He had a part-time landscaping job but mainly cared for his mum, who has the gene condition DiGeorge Syndrome. Michael said: “Mikey was a warm, friendly, handsome young man. Mikey was not involved in anything.
“He loved his friends and family, who loved him too. He wasn’t a loveable rogue, he was a normal young man.”
Michael was shot last Tuesday. Police arrested three suspects last week.
Two boys aged 17 were held on suspicion of murder. A 22-year-old man was quizzed before being released on bail. Det Supt Richie Salter said: “We believe the offenders arrived and left using an electric bike. We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area.”
Det Insp Tracey Martin added: “Those involved in gun crime have no regard for the fear or harm they cause.
“However, we will not tolerate this, and will relentlessly pursue anyone who thinks it is acceptable.”
I was standing next to Mikey when shots came through the window... it’s unbearable
MICHAEL RAINSFORD FATHER OF 20-YEAR-OLD SHOT DEAD