The parents of a 16-year-old boy who was stabbed to death as he waited for a lift home from a youth club have made an emotional appeal to the families of those responsible to come forward.

Joseph Lappin was with two 17-year-old friends outside the Shrewsbury House Youth Club in Everton, Liverpool, at about 8.40pm on Monday when they attacked by a group of up to 15 youngsters.

The teenager, who was a member of the V Liverpool Scottish Detachment of Merseyside Army Cadet Force, suffered fatal stab wounds. One of his friends was also stabbed but his condition is not considered life-threatening. The third boy suffered minor injuries.

Two teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of murder close to the scene.

Joseph's parents, John and Toni, yesterday urged the families of those involved "to make sure another family doesn't have to go through what we are going through now".

Mrs Lappin said: "Joseph was a lovely lad, our son and the centre of our family. He went out with friends like teenagers across the country and because of the events of last night he won't be coming back to us.

"As a mother I would appeal to all the mothers of those involved - understand our grief, come forward."