The teenager is expected to appear before magistrates on Monday afternoon.

A 44-year-old woman, believed to be the 17-year-old's mum, has been released on police bail.

Police were called to a house in Sutton Heath at 11.40pm
following reports of an altercation.

Fifteen-year-old John appeared to have suffered from severe stab wounds and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Despite the best efforts of police officers, paramedics and
hospital staff, the boy died shortly afterwards from his injuries.

The scene in Hempstead Close is still sealed off by police.

House to house enquiries in the area have begun and the scene has been sealed for a detailed forensic examination. A weapon has been recovered.

Andy Reed, a resident on Hempstead Close, said: "I heard some
screaming, it seemed like there was an argument happening on the front
lawn of the house.

"A few minutes after that I heard a lad screaming, he was lying on the
floor with blood all over him. Then the police came."

Fellow neighbour Craig Hatton said: "I heard a lot of shouting and
then saw a lad with his arms over his chest on the pavement, it was
horrible."

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