Murder charges after stabbing outside club
TWO boys have been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of Runcorn teenager Eddie O’Rourke.
The suspects, aged 15 and 17 and from Runcorn, cannot be named due to their age.
They were arrested after 18-year-old Eddie O’Rourke died after he was stabbed outside the Halton Royal British Legion club in Halton Village on Friday night.
It is understood the teenager had been at an 18th birthday party when a fight broke out. On Tuesday, the two boys charged with his killing attended Warrington Combined Court where they spoke to confirm their names, age and address.
They were remanded into custody for a bail hearing at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday as the Weekly News was going to press.
A third teenager, 16, has been arrested and released under investigation in connection with the incident.
Officers had been called to reports of a ‘disturbance’ at the pub at around 8.30pm on Friday.
Mr O’Rourke, of The Clough, Runcorn, was taken to Warrington Hospital by ambulance but died from his injuries.
Witnesses said door staff tried to break it up but it spilled outside where Mr O’Rourke was stabbed. Tributes flooded social media late into Friday night, with users describing the deceased as ‘one of the good ones’ and ‘one of the most polite and well mannered lads’.
A statement issued by Mr O’Rourke’s mother Jane White on behalf of the deceased’s family said: “Eddie was a very much loved son and brother who will be greatly missed by us all.”
Floral tributes now line the street outside the social club, which has now re-opened.
Speaking on Saturday after the incident, residents spoke of being aware of trouble breaking out at the Legion.
One man, who declined to be named, was playing snooker when the disturbance began.
He said: “There was an 18th birthday party being held in the big room next door and a fight broke out, with a load of kids shouting and fighting.
“The bar staff tried to break it up, but it continued outside and a lot of other people came out. ●
“Then all of a sudden I heard someone shouting a lad’s name and then ‘wake up.’ It all happened really quickly.”
Another said: “I heard a bit of arguing and shouting as if people were drunk. It happens a lot but this time it was noisier than usual. It’s devastating for the families.”