The victim, a man in his late 20s or early 30s, was targeted by gunman who chased him in a car.

Three shots were directed at him as he fled down an alleyway but one struck and he was killed instantly.

Police in Liverpool were called to the scene after the gunfire was heard by residents.

They found the cyclist in an alleyway just off Stanley Road, near to the junction of Boundary Road, in the Kirkdale area of the city.

Chief Superintendent Peter Currie, of Merseyside Police said: "There is evidence of tyre marks on the road which makes me think a car screeched to a halt as the victim cycled into the alleyway. The witness reports of three gun shots has been borne out by scene examinations."

So far police have not formally identified the victim or said what kind of gun was used.

Mr Currie added: "He is a white male in his late 20s or early 30s. He was dressed in black clothing and had blue trainers on. The bicycle was a dark Trek model."

The scene of the murder is a main route into and out of Liverpool city centre and Mr Currie is confident of finding witnesses.

He said: "Clubgoers coming out of the city centre and heading to north Liverpool or Bootle may have heard the shots or seen a car driving erratically. At that time of night noise travels far and even the slightest bit of information can be useful. I want to reassure the community that they will see increased patrols in this area. Merseyside Police will not tolerate gun crime and lengthy jail sentences face those who are caught and convicted."