Axe killing: Police seek football star's brother

The brother of Premiership footballer Joey Barton was being sought by police tonight in connection with the racist murder of a black teenager.

Anthony Walker, 18, was attacked with an axe in Huyton, Merseyside on Friday night after being followed through a park by a gang who had hurled racial abuse at him.

Police today said they wanted to speak to 18-year-old Michael Barton, brother of Manchester City midfielder Joey, and 20-year-old Paul Taylor in connection with the murder of Mr Walker.

Both men are from Huyton.

Joey Barton was today said to be in Southampton on club business and unavailable for comment and Manchester City also refused to comment.

It is believed that Michael Barton, who the BBC named as Joey Barton’s brother, and Paul Taylor have fled to Europe.

Two men, aged 26 and 29, from Huyton, were arrested today in connection with the attack.

A 17-year-old male was arrested over the weekend and remained in custody today.

An 18-year-old man was arrested over the weekend and later released on police bail.