A BOY who was stabbed to death after a gang attack outside a youth club was named by police today as Joseph Lappin.
The 16-year-old, 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, last 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 today: "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.
"Joseph's parents are, as you can imagine, distraught by what has happened."
Mr Watson said around 60 youngsters attended the youth club last night and all were co-operating with detectives.
It remains unclear whether the gang of offenders had also been inside the club prior to the attack.
He said: "A significant investigation has now begun and we have a number of people on the ground working out what we know and what we don't know.
"There were 60 youths in the youth club and we have already started to build up a picture of what happened.
"A number of people are helping with inquiries but there are also a number of people on the periphery of this incident that we want to speak to.
"We will get to those people and we will find the perpetrators.
"Somebody has committed a dreadful offence and our message is we will bring that person to justice."
Mr Watson dismissed suggestions that the murder could be connected to other gang-related incidents in Liverpool.
He said the club had never given police cause for concern.
"This is a well-run youth club," he added.
"The staff there are committed to the welfare of the young people who attend and actively engage with the youngsters successfully.
"There has been no previous cause for concern.
"This part of Everton is not what you would describe as a hotspot for crime or anti-social behaviour.
"I am very cautious about the word 'gang' – it's early days and we don't know what the motive was.
"Clearly it involved a group of youngsters but just because a group of young people come together it doesn't mean we have a gang and I don't believe this to be the case."
It is thought Joseph and his friends were waiting for their lift home when they were attacked.
They had attended the Monday Night Music Club, a popular event among children from all over Liverpool who are learning to play musical instruments.
Some residents said they thought it was the first time Joseph had attended the venue.
Shrewsbury House is attached to St Peter's CofE church but managed by its own board of trustees.
In a statement issued by the Diocese of Liverpool, the Rector of St Peter's, the Rev Henry Corbett, said: "The whole community are shocked and saddened by these stabbings.
"We will be doing all we can to help the police with their inquiries but at this moment our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims."
The area around the club and church remained sealed off with police tape and a number of officers stood guard.
Flowers have been placed close to the scene.
Merseyside Police urged anyone with information to contact them on 0151 777 8617, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
They can also email the murder investigation team at
murder@merseyside.police.uk or text the word "crime" followed by the message to 61051.
The youngster was a member of V Liverpool Scottish Detachment of Merseyside Army Cadet Force, the Army confirmed.
He had been based at the detachment in Kensington, Liverpool, since December 2006.
Major Tony Kirkpatrick, cadet executive officer of Merseyside Army Cadet Force, said: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone in Merseyside Army Cadet Force and the wider military family are with Cadet Joey Lappin's family today.
"He was just an everyday cracking lad who wanted to be a part of everything. Joey would put his heart and soul into everything he did. We will all miss him tremendously."
The full article contains 875 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
