Fatal stabbing blamed on one youth
One youth is believed to be responsible for a double stabbing outside a youth club which left a teenage army cadet dead, police said.
Joseph Lappin, 16, suffered a single stab wound to the left side of his chest which pierced his heart.
The youngster was attacked by a gang of up to 15 youths outside the Shrewsbury House Youth Club in Everton, Liverpool, on Monday night.
He and two friends were standing outside the youth club at around 8.40pm when they were approached by a gang of 10 to 15 youths, aged between 14 and 20, who began abusing them.
After a short chase, they tried to make their way back into the safety of the youth club but Joseph and one of his friends were stabbed on the steps of the entrance. They managed to get inside the club and both were treated by staff but it was too late for Joseph.
Police said his friend suffered two stab wounds and was "incredibly lucky" to have survived. The third friend, also 17, suffered minor assault injuries.
Two youths who were arrested on suspicion of murder close to the scene on Monday night have been bailed pending further inquiries.
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."
Mr Naylor said officers have confirmed that the weapon used was a knife. The weapon has not been recovered and police have sealed off a park close to the youth club for a fingertip search.
