Murder squad detectives were tonight investigating why a young man was senselessly stabbed to death outside a shopping parade in Kirkby.
The tragic knifing happened in broad daylight, at around 12.50pm this afternoon, close to the Park Brow shops on Broad Lane.
The victim was named locally as James Halewood, better known as 'Jay'.
Stunned neighbours at the scene paid tribute to him as did friends on social media.
Onlookers rushed to help as he collapsed outside a convenience store and they tried to save his life before emergency services arrived.
Some of 'Jay's' family also turned up at the scene and were heard shouting his name as he slipped in and out of consciousness.
Locals told the ECHO the young man, believed to be 21, was attacked behind the shops, but then staggered round to the front, pleading for help.
A large area was sealed off by police this afternoon and evening, including wasteland behind the Park Brow public house.
Included in the cordon was a stretch of land near Thursby Close - the direction locals said the killer had sprinted after the murder.
This afternoon, residents described the victim as a "nice kid" who was "just a babe".
A woman said: "We know of his family...that lad woke up this morning not knowing it was his last day on earth - it's terrible."
Raised voices were heard close to the shops just before the knifing before police cars, vans and ambulance descended on the scene.
On social media, people reacted with shock.
One man said: "Remember all the laughs me u n jay had in Mike’s college.”
Another added: "Devastated to hear about such a sad loss of literally one of the nicest people through and through.
"I’m in total shock."
And another said: "Rest in paradise Jay."
Jay's granddad was said to live close to the murder scene.
One local said: "He[his granddad] doesn't need this, it's horrible and shocking, he was such a kind-hearted lovely lad."
Another tribute read: "R.I.P Jay, so young with so much life to live, taken with this mindless violence that the youth of today face daily.
"When is it going to stop...breaks my heart."
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Warlow, of Merseyside Police, said: “This is a very sad incident in which we are only in the very early stages of investigating.
"Therefore we are urgently appealing for anyone with information, no matter how small, to come and speak to us.
“Someone knows the person responsible and we need that person to come forward.
“We’re currently looking at CCTV as well as conducting forensic analysis and house to house enquiries but would appreciate any one with info, dash cam or mobile footage to DM @MerPolCC or call 101 quoting log 502 of 7th July."
