Four arrested over cadet stabbing

Joseph Lappin and two of his friends were attacked by a gang

Four more people have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of 16-year-old Merseyside Army cadet Joseph Lappin.

A police spokesman said two boys aged 14 and 15 and a 20-year-old man from Vauxhall were arrested, along with a 19-year-old man from Kirkdale.

Joseph was fatally injured in an unprovoked attack by up to 15 youths outside the Shrewsbury House Youth Club in Everton on Monday.

Two of his friends were also injured in the attack.

Five held

A 16-year-old youth from Kirkdale is still being questioned by detectives on suspicion of murder.

The latest arrests bring the total number of people currently in custody to five.

Two other suspects were arrested near the scene on the night of the stabbing, but later released on bail.

Senior investigating officer Det Supt Steve Naylor said CCTV footage of the area was being reviewed in the hope officers can establish the group of youths' route to and from the scene.

Police are appealing for witnesses and Joseph's parents have urged the mothers of the culprits to "do the right thing".

Toni and John Lappin have appealed for help to catch Joseph's killers

One of Joseph Lappin's friends suffered two stab wounds. The third friend, also 17, suffered minor injuries.

Those arrested on Thursday are being held on suspicion of the murder of Joseph and attempted murder of his friend.

On Wednesday Joseph's parents John and Toni visited the scene of his murder and left two notes attached to a bunch of flowers.

Mr and Mrs Lappin were accompanied by the vicar of nearby St Peter's Church, Reverend Henry Corbett, along with family and friends.

Joseph, an army cadet, and his friends were chased by the youths as they left the youth club after watching a music performance on Monday night.

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