Runcorn stabbing victim’s family pay tribute to ‘smashing lad’

[Hogg]

THESE are the first pictures of a teen victim who was stabbed to death at a birthday party last night — as his heartbroken family today paid tribute.

Eddie O'Rouke, 18, was knifed during an "altercation" outside the Royal British Legion club in Runcorn, Cheshire.

It is believed he was a guest at a friend's 18th birthday party when the fight broke out.

Today his heartbroken aunt Theresa, 46, told The Sun Online: "The whole family are devastated. He has five brothers and sisters including a two-year-old.

"Eddie only lost his father a few years ago. It's so heartbreaking — the family are in pieces.

"His mum just wanted to see him one last time after it happened but she couldn't."

She added: "Eddie was a smashing lad. We'll miss him so much."

Murder cops have today arrested two boys aged 15 and 16 from the Runcorn area on suspicion of murder.

Officers were called to reports of a fight outside the club in Halton village where they found the man wounded.

Witness Mark Riggs, 25, said: "I was having a drink in the smaller bar watching some lads playing snooker.

"The party was in the main room. I believe there was a fight but it was broken up.

"I then heard some screaming and then I saw some a lad on the floor and people shouting his name. People were crying — it's terrible."

More than 40 of his friends gathered at the scene with many hugging each other and weeping.

One older woman was seen wiping away tears as she left flowers.

One friend said: "He was so polite and was really popular. People are devastated."

Eddie, who dreamed of becoming an electrician, was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries.

A police spokesman: "Two teenage boys from Runcorn aged 15 and 16 have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

"We are currently trying to trace a third suspect".

Devastated friends and relatives have been taking to social media to share emotional tributes to the youngster.

Karen Richardson wrote on Facebook: "So so sad, R.I.P Eddie, only two years and two days after your dad's anniversary.

"Devastating what your family are going through, thinking of them all."

Paulajane Keeley said: "Heartbreaking for so many families around Liverpool and around the country. What's going on with the kids of today."

Chelsie O'Rourke changed her profile picture on Facebook to an image of Eddie.

She wrote: "My Eddie, we will get justice for you. I love you always from your Chel."

Earlier Det Insp Adam Waller said: "We are in the very early stages of piecing together the events of tonight.

"Enquiries are ongoing and I urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that may help our investigation to get in touch.

"I am keen to hear from anyone who was driving along Main Street or Castle Road at around 8.30pm and thinks they may have dashcam footage of the incident or anything else that may aid our investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 177899, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Stabbings are on the rise as figures show a surge in knife crime across the UK.

As violent attacks spread from cities to the Home Counties.

Recent figures from London's Metropolitan police showed that knife crime has surged by 16 per cent in the capital — as Britain's crime epidemic continues.

The latest statistics confirm Britain's crime crisis is continuing - and overall the Crime Survey for England and Wales says it is up by four per cent.

At least 51 people have been fatally stabbed in London since the beginning of the year.

In February more than 250 knives and swords were seized across London in just one week and 283 people, many of them teenagers, were arrested for carrying them.