Thousands attend Anthony Walker funeral

More than 3,000 people have attended the funeral of murdered Liverpool teenager Anthony Walker.

Many of those who attended the service, held at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, wore football shirts and basketball tops to celebrate the eighteen-year-old’s love of sport.

The shirts worn by mourners included England and Brazil tops, as well as shirts from Premiership clubs, Liverpool, Everton and Anthony’s favourite, Arsenal.

Anthony’s family had insisted that the funeral should be a “joyful thanksgiving” for his life and not a sombre affair.

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones said opening prayers at the service, which was led by members of the Grace Family Church, which Anthony regularly attended.

The mourners at the funeral included Merseyside Police Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe and local politicians.

Anthony’s extended family and friends, including his mother, Gee and father, Steve, took up the first 14 rows in the cathedral.

The service was broadcast live on a large television screen in Liverpool city centre. There was a private committal for family members only after the service.

Anthony was murdered in an axe attack, as he walked with his girlfriend and cousin in McGoldrick Park in Huyton, Liverpool last month.

On Thursday, flowers and football shirts were also laid at the scene of the crime.

Paul Taylor, 20 and Michael Barton, 17, both from Huyton, have been charged with his murder, as well as conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.

An eighth man arrested in connection with attack was released on bail on Wednesday. Five other men arrested in connection with the attack have also been released on bail.

(KMcA/SP)