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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Ellen Kirwin

Police cordon remains in place at Michael Toohey murder scene

A police cordon remains in place surrounding the scene of a murder - more than 10 days after the attack.

Michael Toohey, was was attacked outside an internet cafe on London Road at around 5.50pm on Saturday, April 16. The 18-year-old, from Oil Street, Liverpool, was rushed to Royal Liverpool Hospital but he was later pronounced dead.

Friends and family gathered on London Road and Monument Place on Tuesday, April 19, to remember Michael, as they released hundreds of balloons into the sky. Floral tributes are also continuing to be left at the scene of his murder, where a police tape remains in place.

READ MORE: Man asked 'am I dying' as he bled to death outside family home

Today detectives confirmed that despite a scene still being in place, most local businesses remain open and people can attend and use them as normal. They also reissued an appeal for witnesses and anyone who may have dashcam footage in the area around the time of the attack.

The family of Michael described him as a 'beautiful, well-mannered placid young man' and confirmed he was soon to become a dad. In a tribute issued, his mum said: "My son Michael Toohey was what you'd describe as a beautiful, well-mannered placid young man, soon to be a daddy to a young boy who's due in just three months. Michael was academically clever at school and left Everton free school at 17 to go on to work with his brother-in-laws in a family business.

"Michael loved going to the gym and going on long bike rides with family and friends. Michael was always doing something for someone, whether that be tormenting his sisters or teasing his nieces and nephews. He was such a character but never had a bad bone in his body, and never had a bad word to say about anybody.

"Michael was adored by everybody who had the pleasure to meet him. His cheeky smile would light up any room, he was kind caring courageous and idolised his sisters and was a brilliant uncle. Michael loved his mum and was never far from home. He was very much all for his family, so when he found out he was going to be a dad he was overjoyed.

Michael Toohey's girlfriend made a heartbreaking tribute (Merseyside Police)


"Michael and his partner had only recently moved into a new house together to start a family of their own. He was so excited for what the future had in store for them - Michael knew it was going to be a boy before anyone else. No-one would have a bad word to say about Michael so when the family got the phone call to say Michael had been brutally attacked, they had no idea who would be so cruel and that history was once again going to repeat itself on another young innocent young boy.

"In 2003, Michael's young cousin Johnny Delaney was attacked in Ellesmere Port and left to die days before his 16th birthday .Michael came from a beautiful accepting family who would welcome anybody and do anything for anyone in need.

"The family please ask if anybody knows or hears of anything related to Michael's tragic death, please come forward and prevent this from happening to anyone else's innocent child. A boy full of potential and grace has had his life taken from him and his family left devastated who could be responsible for such a horrific act.

"Rest in paradise our beautiful boy. We will miss your cheeky face. Forever young, Goodnight God bless our beautiful boy, Michael Toohey."

A 34 year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been bailed pending further enquiries. Detective Chief Inspector Terry Davies who is leading the murder Investigation said: “Our enquiries into this young man’s tragic death continue.

"Since Saturday night staff from Merseyside Police have undertaken numerous enquiries to understand what has led up to the tragic death of this young man and those involved in the incident. The family of the young man are being supported by our specialist family liaison officers and are devastated at what has happened.

"From our work we know there was a disturbance outside TJ Hughes on London Road that continued into the nearby internet café. This incident happened on a warm Saturday night in a busy area of Liverpool City Centre. We know there were a number of people stood at bus stops on London Road, walking past TJ Hughes or driving along London Road who may have witnessed this incident or a vehicle driving erratically at that time.

"I am keen to appeal to those people to come forward so we can speak to them. Similarly anybody who may have mobile phone footage or dash cam footage, please come forward. Whether you come forward to us directly using the link below or anonymously, through Crimestoppers, please get in touch as soon as possible."

Anyone with information on this incident can contact @MerPolCC, 101 or @CrimestoppersUK, anonymously on 0800 555 111 with reference 22000261976. Anyone with any footage can upload this to be viewed by police here.

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