Mother's axe killing vigil appeal

Anthony's older sister, Dominique, issued a public appeal at the vigil

The mother of black teenager Anthony Walker, killed in a racist attack with an axe, has said his killers should not be allowed to walk the streets.

Gee Walker made an emotional appeal for help in tracing her son's killers at a 800-strong vigil for the murdered 18-year-old in Liverpool on Tuesday.

Anthony was killed by a gang of white men in Huyton, Merseyside, on Friday.

Police want to trace Michael Barton, 17, brother of Manchester City footballer Joey, and Paul Taylor, 20.

The pair are thought to have fled to Europe after the attack, and British officers are working with their colleagues at Interpol to track them down.

He is flesh and blood, my little brother, he was only 18 Anthony Walker's older sister, Dominique Crucial lessons for police

At the well-attended vigil at St George's Hall in the city centre, Mrs Walker said she felt overwhelmed by the "sea of faces" looking at her and the support from strangers.

The 49-year-old special needs teacher apologised for wearing sunglasses because of her swollen eyes. This drew a round of applause from the congregation.

"I am receiving letters from people I don't even know - from America, from Canada, phone calls from Ireland, you name it and letters of condolence.

"I don't know how to thank you, I applaud all of you and thank you from my heart, other people have scripts, I have none.

"I have to tell you about Anthony, he was everybody's son.

Basketballs sent by the public have been placed in Anthony's coffin

"I am sure he is looking down at you all bouncing his basketball."

She said she had placed basketballs and teddy bears sent to her by the public into Anthony's coffin.

"I am sorry for the people that have done it and if you know anyone then come forward, they don't deserve to walk the streets," she said.

Anthony's older sister, Dominique, fought back tears as she issued a public appeal for help in catching her brother's killers.

She said: "I just want to say to the people that if anybody knows anything can they speak up.

"This is no joke, he is flesh and blood, my little brother, he was only 18.

"It is not over, you just don't know, you just don't know what you have done."

Earlier, at the scene of Anthony's death, the mother of murdered black teenager Stephen Lawrence said she hoped his family would have justice.

Footballer's appeal

"I'm only hoping that this time that justice will be done and seen to be done, because Stephen's killers are still walking free and I'm hoping that Anthony's killers will be brought to justice.

"I think he deserved that; his family deserve that."

Earlier on Tuesday, Premiership footballer Joey Barton appealed for his brother to contact police investigating the murder.

"You must do this because you know it's right."

Doreen Lawrence said she hoped Anthony's family would get justice

He said the murder was "horrific" and "senseless", adding those responsible "must be brought to justice".

A 29-year-old man arrested in connection with the axe attack had been released on police bail and a 17-year-old, who was also being questioned, had earlier been released on police bail.

A 26-year-old man remains in custody.