Michael Causer, known to his loved ones as Mickey, died at 12.30pm on Saturday (August 2) after a week in intensive care.

The 18-year-old was assaulted as he walked along Tarbock Road in Huyton on Friday, July 25. He suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to Whiston hospital.

Despite emergency surgery at the Walton Neurology Centre to try to reduce swelling on his brain he passed away eight days later.

In a statement, his family said: "Mickey was very close to all members of his family and will be greatly missed by his mum and dad, brothers and sisters, aunties and uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces, and his grandparents.

"Mickey loved life and had many friends. He was popular and well-liked.
"He was the life and soul of the party, a happy, and outgoing 18-year-old man. Mickey was definitely a 'people's person'.
Our world will never been the same without him."

One of his best friends, Kyle Kennedy, paid tribute to him on the online memorial, Facebook.

He wrote: "It feels so weird not having you around anymore, my house seems so empty not having you sprawling out on the couch and raving around my living room spilling your drink everywhere!

"The Crown will never be the same again either, in the past few years you have been one of my best mates, you were a brilliant person and it was an honour to have known you.

"Things will never be the same without you, we will all miss you so much."

Council leader Ron Round said a book of condolence would be opened at civic buildings across the borough.

He added: "We are all shocked and saddened at Michael's death. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to them. The people of Knowsley will not tolerate discrimination of any kind."

Two men – James O' Connor and Gavin Alker – have been charged with grievous bodily harm. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is considering upgrading the charges to murder.

A third man, Christopher Douglas, 19, of Page Moss Avenue, Huyton appeared before Knowsley Magistrates charged with witness intimidation.

A 19-year-old from Prescot was also arrested in connection to the attack and has been released on police bail.
Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.