THE FAMILY of an 18-year-old man murdered outside an internet cafe in Liverpool have paid tribute to their 'kind, caring, courageous' loved one.
Michael Toohey died after being assaulted on London Road, Liverpool, at around 5.40pm on Saturday, April 16.
A 34-year-old woman from Fazakerley, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been bailed.
The family of Mr Toohey, who was due to become a father in three months, released a statement paying tribute to him.
'All for his family'
"Michael was adored by everybody who had the pleasure to meet him,” read the statement.
"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 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."
Mr Toohey was due to become a father in three months (Image: Merseyside Police)The family also revealed it was the second tragedy they had suffered, after Mr Toohey's cousin Johnny Delaney was killed in 2003 at the age of 15.
The Liverpool Echo reports that two people were found guilty of manslaughter in relation to the death of Delaney, who came from an Irish Traveller family.
"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," said the Toohey family statement.
"In 2003, Michael's young cousin Johnny Delaney was attacked in Ellesmere Port and left to die days before his 16th birthday."
Mr Toohey's family have appealed for anyone with information to come forward to prevent other families from suffering a similar tragedy.
"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," they said.
"Rest in paradise our beautiful boy. We will miss your cheeky face.
"Forever young, Goodnight God bless our beautiful boy, Michael Toohey."
Appeal
Merseyside Police have said they are following a number of lines of enquiry and have urged anyone with information to contact them.
"This incident happened in a busy area of Liverpool City Centre at around 5.40pm on Saturday evening," said Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath.
"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 that was seen driving erratically in the area 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 then please come forward."
Anyone with information on this incident can contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, with reference 22000261976.
