Teenage boy is killed in stabbing

A 16-year-old boy has been stabbed to death outside a youth club in Liverpool, Merseyside Police said.

The teenager was with two friends when he was attacked by a group of youths outside Shrewsbury House Youth Club in Everton at 2040 BST on Monday.

The boy, who was from Old Swan, was taken to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A second boy - a 17-year-old from Old Swan - was also stabbed. His condition is not thought to be life-threatening.

We believe that a number of people will know who is responsible Chief Supt Steve Watson £3m to tackle youth crime

Police said there were between 50 and 70 teenagers in the club at the time of the stabbing, some of whom may have vital information.

Chief Supt Steve Watson, area commander for Liverpool North, said: "There were a large number of young people in the youth club at the time of the incident and they are currently helping officers with the investigation.

"We believe that a number of people will know who is responsible. They need to come forward and tell us what they know."

Forensic examinations are being carried out at the scene, which has been cordoned off, and police have stepped up patrols in the area as officers conduct house-to-house inquiries.

A Home Office post mortem examination is due to be carried out.

Neighbours living close to the youth club, which is attached to St Peter's Church, have spoken of their shock over the stabbing.

'Real shock'

Pamela Wignall, 52, who has lived near the club for more than a decade, said: "I heard the police sirens last night, then one of the neighbours told me later on that a boy had died.

"There is never, ever any trouble at the youth club, this is a real shock. It's disgusting."

Another nearby resident, who declined to give his name, said the club is a magnet for youngsters across north Liverpool.

"There's a music club which is very well attended and even when the club is closed gangs of kids will hang around on the steps outside.

This is obviously, a tragedy for the family up in Liverpool -- and the reason why we need to keep building on the work that we have undertaken to tackle knife crime Jacqui Smith, Home Secretary

"But in the three years I've lived here we have not had any serious problems."

News of the attack came as £3m was pledged by ministers to help tackle youth knife crime.

Merseyside is one of 10 police force areas included in the government's Tackling Knives Action Programme.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she hoped it would send the message that a knife was not needed for protection.

"This is obviously a tragedy for the family up in Liverpool - and the reason why we need to keep building on the work that we have undertaken to tackle knife crime," she said.