Church leaders in Liverpool have joined with the community in expressing their grief and condemnation at the murder of teenager Anthony Walker last Friday night.

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones said: “This horrific murder brings shame on Merseyside.”

Mr Walker was subjected to racist taunting while waiting at a bus stop with his girlfriend and cousin before being killed minutes later with an axe, detectives said.

Canon Geoff Pearson, Area Dean for Huyton also expressed his horror at the killing saying “It’s too hard to put into words the feelings of the community. We are all shocked by this evil.

“A young man’s life has been cruelly taken away and his family’s life ruined by this senseless act. The local community want to do all they can to help the Walker family and show that they are not alone,” said Mr Pearson.

He added: “The family has a very real faith and have been able to draw strength and comfort from that fact.”

The 18-year-old college student from Huyton was a regular worshipper at the Grace Family Church, Aigburth, where a book of condolence has been opened. His pastor, Pastor Di Stacey, described Mr Walker, who was a talented basketball player and intended to become a lawyer, as a “very special young man”.

She said: “He was very sincere and always very willing. He wasn’t a rebellious kid; he had a really sweet and good heart and all he wanted to do was help other people.”

The Evangelical Alliance and the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance also sent its condolences to the family, friends and congregation of Mr Walder on Thursday.

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.”

Local MP Edward O’Hara expressed his shock at the racist attack saying it was “entirely untypical of the community in which it happened.”

Two men were charged with Mr Walker’s murder on Friday. Paul Taylor, 20, and a 17-year-old man who cannot be named for legal reasons, both from the Huyton area of Liverpool, are due to appear before Liverpool Crown Court on 23 August, said Merseyside Police.

A candlelit vigil will be held on Friday from St Gabriel’s Church to McGoldrick Park, the scene of the attack.