Five released over cadet murder

Joseph Lappin planned to join the Army

Five people questioned over the murder of a 16-year-old army cadet in Liverpool have been released on bail.

Joseph Lappin, of Old Swan, was stabbed after he was chased by up to 15 youths outside the Shrewsbury House Youth Club in Everton, Liverpool, on Monday.

Two boys, aged 14 and 15, a 20-year-old man from Vauxhall, a 19-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, both from Kirkdale, were arrested.

Merseyside police said all five were bailed on Friday.

Det Supt Steve Naylor, of Merseyside police, said: "Inquiries are ongoing into Joseph's murder and I would like to thank the local community for the information that they have given to the inquiry team.

"I would ask that they continue to talk to officers and would encourage anyone who has not come forward to do so."

CCTV studied

Joseph was with two friends when he was attacked.

A 17-year-old was stabbed twice during the incident and police said he was lucky to be alive. The other boy sustained minor injuries.

Earlier this week Joseph's parents, John, 45, and Toni, 44, made a plea to the families of their son's killers to speak to police.

Detectives are looking at CCTV images to try to trace the movements of the gang before and after the killing.

It was Joseph's first visit to the club. He had gone there to support a friend who was playing in a band.

Joseph was an army cadet and planned to join the Army, his parents have said.

Two teenagers, whose ages were not given, who were arrested close to the murder scene, were released on bail on Tuesday.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version