Update on 21 July: Sefton man charged with murder following assault on Stanley Road, Bootle

A man has today, Thursday 21 July, been charged with the murder of 55-year-old Christopher John Molloy following an assault on Stanley Road, Bootle on Tuesday, 12 July.

Joseph Byrne, 24 years, of Linacre Road, Litherland was arrested yesterday (Wednesday 20 July) and has now been charged with the murder of Mr Molloy, who passed away in hospital on Tuesday 19 July.

Byrne has been remanded into custody.

Officers are supporting Mr Molloy’s family at this difficult time and a post mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of his death.

Byrne will appear at Liverpool Crown Court tomorrow, Friday 22 July.

Detectives had earlier charged Jay Byrne, 26, of Leyland Road, Southport and a 14-year-old boy - who cannot be named for legal reasons - with assault and theft in connection with the incident.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and a 15-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of theft. Both suspects have been bailed pending further enquiries.

A 12-year-old girl arrested on suspicion of theft and two boys aged 13 and 15 who were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 22000493980.