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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Patrick Edrich

School 'devastated' after 'kind and caring' teen killed in city centre attack

A former school of tragic teen Michael Toohey has paid tribute to the teenager, calling him a "kind and caring member of our school community".

The 18-year-old father-to-be was set upon by up to eight men outside an internet café on Monument Place shortly before 6pm on Saturday, April 16. Michael suffered multiple blunt force injuries during the ferocious attack near London Road and died at the Royal Liverpool Hospital later that evening.

Merseyside Police are currently hunting those involved and have so far arrested a 34-year-old woman from Fazakerley on suspicion of assisting an offender. Tributes flooded in for the 18-year-old with his mum calling him "a beautiful, well-mannered, placid young man".

READ MORE: Girlfriend of tragic dad-to-be says he made her 'the happiest girl alive'

His family paid tribute to their "kind, caring and courageous" son and have urged anyone with information about his death to come forward. This morning one of Michael's former schools paid tribute to the teen calling him a "kind and caring member of the community". The Trinity Catholic Academy in Vauxhall wrote on Twitter: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael Toohey’s family at this sad sad time.

"Michael was such a kind and caring member of our school community. Our staff are truly devastated. Another ex pupil taken too soon. Rest in peace Michael."

One of Michael's teachers while at primary school added: "Just so sad. Michael was a lovely pupil to have in class. My heart goes out to his lovely family."

On April 19 around 100 people gathered to attend a balloon release in memory of Michael at the scene of the tragic incident. Gold, blue and heart-shaped balloons were released into the sky and people wore shirts with a picture of the teenager on.

Bouquets of flowers have been left at the scene as the murder investigation continues. Detectives investigating the murder are keen to speak to people who were seen standing at a bus stop on London Road and walking past TJ Hughes at the time of the incident who may have witnessed what happened. They are also appealing to a driver of a vehicle which was seen being driven erratically at the time.

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