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Race ruled out in stabbing death Race ruled out in stabbing death
(about 16 hours later)
The fatal stabbing of a 21-year-old mixed race man close to his Merseyside home does not appear to be racially motivated, police have said.The fatal stabbing of a 21-year-old mixed race man close to his Merseyside home does not appear to be racially motivated, police have said.
Handyman, Marlon Moran was stabbed during a fight on Byron Street in Garston on Sunday afternoon.Handyman, Marlon Moran was stabbed during a fight on Byron Street in Garston on Sunday afternoon.
Officers initially believed the attack to be prompted by racism.Officers initially believed the attack to be prompted by racism.
However, detectives now believe Mr Moran went with friends to confront another group following and altercation a short time before he was stabbed. However, detectives now believe Mr Moran went with friends to confront another group following an altercation a short time before he was stabbed.
Two boys, aged 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of murder.Two boys, aged 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of murder.
Two others are being sought in connection with the attack.Two others are being sought in connection with the attack.
'Vital information''Vital information'
Detectives are still trying to establish the nature of the initial row but said that racist abuse was allegedly heard during the second altercation, prompting them to classify the crime as racially motivated.Detectives are still trying to establish the nature of the initial row but said that racist abuse was allegedly heard during the second altercation, prompting them to classify the crime as racially motivated.
Det Sup Steve Naylor said the racial element was being treated seriously, but may not have been the primary motive.Det Sup Steve Naylor said the racial element was being treated seriously, but may not have been the primary motive.
He said: "I don't believe he was set upon because he was mixed race. I don't know the exact details of what took place earlier but clearly an incident had taken place, which acted as the catalyst.He said: "I don't believe he was set upon because he was mixed race. I don't know the exact details of what took place earlier but clearly an incident had taken place, which acted as the catalyst.
Marlon Moran was fatally stabbed on Sunday afternoonMarlon Moran was fatally stabbed on Sunday afternoon
"There is clearly a racial element, but there are other elements we are considering as well.""There is clearly a racial element, but there are other elements we are considering as well."
Mr Naylor refused to reveal the racist words alleged to have been heard during the second altercation.Mr Naylor refused to reveal the racist words alleged to have been heard during the second altercation.
Mr Moran was the son of a white mother and mixed race father. His parents had separated and he lived with his mother in Garston.Mr Moran was the son of a white mother and mixed race father. His parents had separated and he lived with his mother in Garston.
Mr Naylor said local people had been reluctant to help the police and he appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.Mr Naylor said local people had been reluctant to help the police and he appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.
He said: "I'm convinced that some people saw what happened and hold vital information. I would urge them to contact us."He said: "I'm convinced that some people saw what happened and hold vital information. I would urge them to contact us."