More Arrests Over Youth Club Stabbing

Four more people have been arrested in relation to the stabbing of a 16-year-old boy outside a youth club in Liverpool.

Joseph Lappin, was with two friends when he was attacked by a group of youths outside Shrewsbury House Youth Club, Langrove Street, Everton at 8.40pm on Monday evening. A second boy, aged 17, also from Old Swan, received stab wounds.

The 16-year-old, from Old Swan, was taken to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Two boys aged 14 and 15 and a 20-year-old man from Vauxhall were all arrested, along with a 19-year-old man from Kirkdale.

A 16-year-old from the Kirkdale area was arrested on Wednesday. He is currently being questioned by officers.

Two youths who were arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Joseph and two friends were standing outside the Shrewsbury House Youth Club in Everton, Liverpool, on Monday night when they were approached by a gang of between 10 and 15 youths.

The 16-year-old army cadet had been left the club after watching a music performance.

Detectives said a friend of Joseph, who received two stab wounds was "incredibly lucky" to have surviced.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Steve Naylor said: "We know that two people played a key role in the attack on Joseph and his friends.

"One of those two was the person responsible for both stabbings. Joseph suffered a single stab wound and his friend suffered two stab wounds. He is incredibly lucky to have survived and is now at home."

Joseph's parents John and Toni visited the scene of his murder, accompanied by the vicar of nearby St Peter's Church, Reverend Henry Corbett. The couple, who left two notes attached to a bunch of flowers, appealed to families of those involved to come forward.

(JM)