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A man shot dead in a chilling woodland attack was a former underworld enforcer once called in to stop a gangland thug from threatening to maim Steven Gerrard.

John Kinsella was killed as he walked through a secluded section of woodland that runs alongside the M62 near the Rainhill Stoops interchange.

The 53-year-old was once arrested in Amsterdam after fleeing the UK while under investigation for a robbery at a haulage depot.

In 2008, he was convicted for that robbery and the boxer and martial arts exponent, formerly from Everton, was handed an 11-year sentence for robbery, dangerous driving and skipping bail.

(Image: Lincolnshire Police/PA Wire)

During his trial, Kinsella admitted he was close to the scene at the time of the raid in Grantham, Lincolnshire, but claimed he was in the area to enforce a £100,000 debt.

While in the dock, his work for LFC hero Gerrard was used as an example of how he collected debts and "sorted out" problems.

Kinsella claimed he had been contacted by Gerrard's family after the player was being targeted by George Bromley Jnr, a man nicknamed The Psycho and described as a “violent figure” whose father, another gangland enforcer, had been “executed”.

Kinsella claimed he spoke to George Bromley and from then on Bromley left Gerrard alone.

The court was later read a letter from Gerrard’s father Paul – obtained after Kinsella went to his home – in which the claims were confirmed.

Mr Gerrard said that, for two years, Bromley attempted to extort money from his son – and threatened to “maim” him – until Kinsella stepped in.

Paul Gerrard, whose letter was confirmed as genuine by police, said he and his son had “total respect” for Kinsella.

Kinsella, a judo and jujitsu expert, had already served a nine-year prison term when he was contacted by the Gerrards.

He received the sentence at Liverpool Crown Court in October 1991 for attempted robbery and carrying a firearm with intent to commit an offence.

Kinsella is believed to have been walking his dog with a friend or family member when he was targeted in a chilling attack on Saturday morning.

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

His associate was not injured.

A gunman, thought to have been wearing a hi-vis jacket, is believed to have shot Kinsella in a section of woodland popular with dog walkers at around 7am.

The assassin then fled the scene on a mountain bike.

Kinsella was pronounced dead and Merseyside Police launched an investigation into the attack that led to a section of an M62 slip road being blocked off.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify the gunman, who is described as male, around six foot and of a slim build.

A Merseyside police spokeswoman said: “He was wearing dark clothing and a hi-vis jacket and riding a mountain bike.

“If you saw someone matching this description around the time or area of the incident, please get in touch.

“Alternatively, if you have any information that you believe could help with our investigations, please get in contact on 101 or in an emergency, call 999.”

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

The spokeswoman added: “At this time, we are in the very early stages of this investigation and are working with our colleagues in Cheshire Police and other emergency services to establish what exactly has happened.

“We are exploring all lines of enquiry and supporting all those involved. The public should remain reassured that we are committed to tackling gun crime and will continue to take action to protect our communities whatever the circumstance.

“Anyone who was in or around the area of Rainhill Stoops this morning and saw someone acting suspiciously, is urged to get in contact on 101 or by contacting our social media desk ( @MerPolCC on Twitter). However small, every bit of information is needed to help bring the offender to justice. You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

“Detectives are further appealing for anyone who may have been travelling down the slip road which joins the M62 at Junction 7, going towards Liverpool this morning. If you saw something/someone or have any dash-cam footage from between 6.30am-7.30am, we urge you to contact our major crime unit on 0151 777 8618, quoting ref: 225 of 5/5/18, who will assist you in submitting the footage.”