Fifteen-year-old John, a prop forward for Haydock Warriors U15s in the NW Counties League, was fatally wounded following a late-night altercation on Hempstead Close, Sutton Heath, on Saturday.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics and hospital specialists, John, known as 'Marshy' to his rugby teammates, succumbed to his injuries in hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police were called to Hempstead Close at about 11.40pm following reports of a disturbance. The scene remained sealed off by police earlier this week following a series of detailed forensic examinations and a weapon has been recovered.

The scene of John's murder backs onto Harlow Close, the street where the remains of three babies were discovered by officers earlier this year. There is no suggestion the two incidents are connected.

A floral tribute laid at the scene included one card which read: "RIP Little John. Can't believe you've gone. We will never forget you."

John recently moved to Sutton Heath from Wigan to live with his father.
David Lythgoe, the headteacher at John's school, Golborne High, said: "John was a very popular and charismatic young man, well known by all year groups in school. He was outgoing and confident, able to mix comfortably with adults and pupils alike. He will be greatly missed by all in school."

A web page created in John's memory on the Facebook social networking site – entitled RIP John Marsh You Will Be Missed – has already been flooded with hundreds of poignant tributes.

Among the messages is one posted by Naomi Greenall which reads: "RIP darling. It's a horrible tragedy. It's obvious you blessed so many lives with your presence. May you now be an angel looking down on us guiding your family and friends through such troubling times as this."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact St Helens CID on 0151 777 1576 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.

* A 17-year-old boy from the Thatto Heath area was remanded in custody at St Helens Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with murder. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is due to appear before St Helens Youth Court on December 1 prior to committal date at Liverpool Crown Court on January 4.
A 44-year-old woman, who was initially arrested on suspicion of murder and perverting the course of justice has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.