Who was John Kinsella, how was the Liverpool gangster killed and when did he help footballer Steven Gerrard?
Two people have been arrested in connection to the death of John Kinsella who was gunned down in Liverpool earlier this month
JOHN Kinsella, the gangster who saved Steven Gerrard from a "psycho" thug, was shot dead as he walked his dog in Merseyside.
Here's what we know about his murky past and the latest news on his death...
Who was John Kinsella?
The 53-year-old mob "fixer" was an influential figure in Liverpool's underworld.
Originally from Everton, the "enforcer" had the audacity to use legal aid to appeal a jail stretch while on the run - and even managed to get his sentenced reduced.
In 2008, Kinsella, a martial arts expert, was one of four men accused of taking part in a robbery at a haulage depot in Grantham, where more than £41,000 of detergent, Pringles and Easter eggs were stolen.
During the March 2006 robbery, a night watchman was tied up by a gang of up to nine men wearing balaclavas and camouflage clothing.
The victim was hit with his own stick after it fell out of his pocket.
Following a 130mph police chase, Kinsella was captured on the outskirts of Greater Manchester.
He always denied the allegations, claiming at his trial that he was only in the area to collect a £100,000 debt.
Kinsella went on the run moments before the jury at Lincon Crown Court found him guilty of the robbery.
He was sentenced to 13 years for the robbery, 12 months for dangerous driving and three months for breaking bail conditions.
Following his appeal he got three years shaved off his sentence.
How was Kinsella killed in Liverpool?
John Kinsella was shot dead by a gunman on a mountain bike as he walked his dog through a wooded area near the Rainhill Stoops Interchange in Prescot on May 5, 2018.
Kinsella, from the local area, was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services were called out to reports of a "firearms discharge" at around 7am, the Liverpool Echo reported.
What is the latest in the hunt for his killers?
Three people have been arrested as part of a joint investigation into the murders of Paul Massey and John Kinsella today (May 30).
Paul Massey, 55, was gunned down outside his home in July 2015.
In a joint operation, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Merseyside Police raided homes across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
One man, 37, was arrested at Manchester Airport this morning on suspicion of the murder of Paul Massey and the murder of John Kinsella, GMP said.
A 39-year old woman was also arrested at the airport on suspicion of assisting an offender in relation to the John Kinsella murder.
When did he help footballer Steven Gerrard?
Kinsella previously claimed Gerrard's family contacted him when gang boss George Bromley Jr, nicknamed The Psycho, was targeting the new Rangers manager.
In a letter, Gerrard's father Paul confirmed that Bromley tried to extort money from his son - and threatened to "main" him.
The so-called enforcer claimed he talked Bromley into leaving the former Liverpool star alone.
This claim formed part of his defence at his 2008 trial for the depot robbery.
Kinsella said George Bromley Jnr, was a “violent figure” whose father, another gangland enforcer, had been “executed”.
He claimed he spoke to George Bromley and from then on Bromley left Gerrard alone.
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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.
Gerrard said that, for two years, The Psycho attempted to extort money from his son – and threatened to “maim” him – until Kinsella stepped in.
The football boss, whose letter was confirmed as genuine by police, said he and his son had “total respect” for Kinsella.