An international hunt was under way tonight for two men wanted for questioning over the murder of black teenager Anthony Walker.

The 18-year-old student was struck in the head with an axe by a gang of racist thugs in a park in Huyton, Merseyside.

Murder squad detectives say they want to speak to Michael Barton, 17 and Paul Taylor, 20, from the Huyton area. It is thought the pair may have gone to Europe.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We would like to speak to two men, Paul Taylor and Michael Barton, who we believe could assist with the ongoing police investigation into the death of Anthony Walker.

"Detectives believe the two men could have travelled abroad."

The two are believed to live on neighbouring roads on a council estate just half a mile from McGoldrick Park where the attack took place. There was no answer at either of the modern, semi-detached houses, both of which had the curtains drawn.

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old remains in custody and an 18-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on police bail.

Mr Walker, a talented athlete and devout Christian, was subjected to a torrent of racial abuse as he waited for a bus with his white girlfriend and cousin Marcus Binns, 17, on Friday evening. The trio walked away from the trouble but were followed through a park. Mr Binns and the 17-year-old girl managed to escape but Mr Walker was attacked with an axe.

His mother Gee Walker, 49, made an emotional visit today to the scene of his death where a makeshift shrine has been set up. She wept and appeared close to collapse as she read tributes and looked at the scores of bouquets, along with basketballs and football shirts in honour of the talented athlete.

Mrs Walker, a special needs teacher, was too upset to speak to waiting reporters but stopped briefly to exchange words and a hug with one of the steady stream of mourners who have been visiting the spot throughout the day.

Among the flowers an anonymous well-wisher had left a card with the words: "I feel deep shame for having to share our world with the evil vermin that took your life.

"RIP Anthony, we are not all like them."

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