A dad who died in a triple stabbing was described as a “kind soul” and the “nicest lad” by his close friends.
The 28-year-old victim has been formally identified as Liam Humphreys, from Liverpool, who was fatally wounded in Hillaby Close, Toxteth, at around 1pm on Sunday. Two other victims, a man and a woman in their 30s, survived but remain in hospital with serious injuries.
A 38-year-old man from Toxteth was today arrested on suspicion of murder after a manhunt and is being questioned by detectives.
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Mr Humphreys’ family today released a tribute. They said: “Our Teddy bear Liam died on 10th December. He was the most caring, loving beautiful soul.
“The light has gone from our lives, the room has gone dark forever and the world a more empty place. There is no light left for us. As a family we are devastated and heartbroken by the loss of Liam. He was amazing and so, so loved and will be forever missed.”
Liam’s close friends have also paid tribute to him on social media, describing him as a “kind soul” and the “nicest lad”.
Dem Worthington said: “Rest in peace Liam! Was a kind soul to everybody in school! Will never forget our school days.”
Kaylyn Dawe posted: “Love you Liam”
James Christopher said: “The nicest lad and a gentle soul. Rest in paradise big man.”
Salma Nazir said: “God bless you my darlin, you will be greatly missed.. always in my heart and prayers RIP x”
Chávez Ogolo said: “RIP big fella you will be missed.”
Jade Perry said: “The kindest soul! RIP Liam. You will be missed.”
Merseyside Police was first called to the scene shortly after lunchtime on Sunday, with an air ambulance helicopter also dispatched which landed on a patch of grass on the corner of Claribel Street.
A large cordon remained in place around the scene, blocking off Upper Warwick Street between its junction with Princes Avenue and Trefoil Close, until Tuesday lunchtime.
The ECHO spoke to residents in the block of flats where the stabbing occurred. One man, who did not wish to be named, said he was in his flat with his young children when he heard shouting outside.
He said: “I stayed inside and blocked the windows. It sounded serious, I was with my kids. There were two men on the floor. One had run out and collapsed outside.
“I’m thinking to move straight away. I’ve complained to Riverside, there is always trouble on the top floors. The bottom two floors are families, but the top floors there is trouble with drugs, and drinking and shouting.”
Other residents in the flats, and a second block opposite, described hearing shouts before the sound of sirens and the rotors of the air ambulance helicopter.
One local woman, who lived near the flats, said she and her daughter were alerted by the sound of the helicopter overhead. She said her daughter checked their CCTV cameras and saw the female victim a few moments earlier.
She told the ECHO: “The woman, the one who got slashed to her face, was shouting up to someone in the window, and just before that there was a man on his phone. They went out of view and that’s when I think it happened.
“Afterwards she was sat on a chair and all the neighbours were gathered around her so we couldn’t see her. There was a lad on the floor and the police were there. The helicopter landed over by Crawford House and the leaves were going everywhere, it was like the Wizard of Oz.”
Another local business owner said: “She was a lovely girl, she was always looking after her little sister and walking her dog. I don’t know how she got dragged into this.”
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
