Funeral of cadet stabbing victim

Joseph's friends helped carry his coffin into the church

Mourners have gathered to pay tribute to an Army cadet who was stabbed to death in an attack near a youth club.

Joseph Lappin, 16, from Old Swan, was stabbed in the heart after being chased by up to 15 youths in Everton, Liverpool, on 20 October.

He died shortly after the attack, in which his friend Callum Naden, 17, suffered serious stab wounds.

Joseph's family and friends attended St Oswald's Church in Old Swan for a requiem mass in his honour.

His parents, John, 45, and Toni Lappin, 44, led mourners, including Joseph's younger brother and sister, at the private service.

Members of the Liverpool Scottish Regiment performed a guard of honour and helped carry Joseph's coffin into church along with two of his friends.

He was popular and loved by everyone, the centre of family life The Reverend Mark Madden

A floral tribute from his parents read: "Joe, our beautiful son, still can't believe that we've lost you. Miss you so much, love you for ever, Mum and Dad."

The Reverend Mark Madden, leading the service, told the congregation: "None of us ever imagined just over two weeks ago that we would ever be here today, but today we commend and return Joe back to God.

"It's only when someone is taken from us that we fully realise their true worth.

"He was popular and loved by everyone, the centre of family life."

Ten arrests

Father Madden said the young cadet had a "bright future ahead of him" after leaving school "desperate" to join the armed forces and serve his country.

"Entering this kind of career is a selfless act of love and generosity, especially given the problems and dangers of our world today," he added.

"It says a lot about Joe, his character and determination. A credit to all who know him."

On Tuesday police arrested two men, aged 23 and 22, from Everton, and a 17-year-old youth from Kirkdale on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

They have now been released on bail. A total of 10 people have been arrested during the inquiry.