Joseph Lappin Tribute

Police name boy stabbed in street

2 hours ago

A 16-year-old boy who was stabbed to death after a gang attack outside a youth club has been named by police as Joseph Lappin.

The youngster, known as Joe, was with two friends, both aged 17, when they were attacked by up to 15 youths outside the Shrewsbury House Youth Club in Everton, Liverpool, on Monday night.

They were confronted by the gang and set upon after a short chase on foot, Merseyside Police said.

Army cadet Joseph, from Old Swan, suffered fatal stab wounds in the attack. One of his friends was also stabbed but his condition is not considered life-threatening. The third boy suffered minor assault injuries.

Merseyside Police described the incident as "dreadful" and said Joseph's family are "distraught".

Two teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of murder close to the scene soon after the incident took place outside the youth club in Langrove Street at 8.40pm.

Detectives said, however, that they believe the main perpetrators may still be at large.

Chief Superintendent Steve Watson, area commander for Liverpool North, said: "The three victims had gathered outside the front of the club and were approached by a sizeable group of youths, about 10 to 15 in strength.

"The youths, without provocation, proceeded after a short foot chase to attack the three individuals. During the course of the attack the injuries were sustained."

Mr Watson added: "We believe there were two main offenders among the group of youths. One, certainly, has wielded a knife and what we are left with is a very tragic incident in which a 16-year-old boy has lost his life."