Condolences have been sent by the Evangelical Alliance and the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance (ACEA) to the family, friends and church congregation of murdered schoolboy Anthony Walker.

The 18-year-old, who was a committed Christian and youth leader at the Grace Family Church in Liverpool, was killed with an axe in a racially-motivated attack on 29 July.

General Director of the Evangelical Alliance Rev Joel Edwards said: “Our prayers go out as we think and pray for Anthony’s family. We also stand with the congregation at Grace Family Church, who will share the burden at this tragic time. We trust that in this desperate moment they will indeed be a church family experiencing God’s grace as together we seek justice in this terrible situation.”

Rev Katei Kirby, the newly appointed chief executive officer of ACEA, said: “The senseless killing of anyone is deeply concerning. However, the brutal murder of a young black man who had all the hallmarks of a model citizen is not only criminal, but wicked. Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony’s family and friends, and with those agencies who have a role in bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice.”

Mr Walker had been waiting together with his girlfriend and cousin when they were subjected to a “torrent of racial abuse” by a gang of white men.

After running to find help, his girlfriend and cousin returned to find Mr Walker lying unconscious on the ground, having sustained massive head injuries. He died later at hospital.

The sister of Mr Walker, Dominique, 20, described her brother as “a very kind, loving, caring, young man”. She added: “He gave so much of his life to help other people.”

Two men have been taken in yesterday evening for questioning by detectives over the murder of Mr Walker.

Michael Barton, 17, and Paul Taylor, 20, were arrested by Merseyside Police at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, after having fled to Holland.