28 November 2023 , 16:09
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A "fun-loving" dad who was stabbed to death in the street "didn't deserve for his life to be taken away", his heartbroken family said.
Gerard Hand, 44, was stabbed on Church Walk in Bootle, Sefton, Merseyside, at around 7.45am on Wednesday, November 22. The emergency services rushed to the scene and Mr Hand was taken to a hospital in critical condition, but later died.
His family now paid tribute to Mr Hand, describing him as "generous and kind" and someone who "will never be forgotten". They said he was "fun-loving and full of life", adding that those who knew him had "fond memories" and "stories to tell".
Floral tributes left at scene on Church Walk in Bootle (Liverpool Echo)In a statement released through Merseyside Police, the family said: "Gerard was fun-loving and full of life. People who knew Gerard have fond memories and stories to tell. He was a larger-than-life character who loved to be around friends and family. Gerard was happy to share a word with anyone he met.
"Gerard was generous and kind, he would open his door to others even during the more difficult times of his life. Gerard didn’t deserve his life to be taken from him in this way, and will never be forgotten by the family, friends and daughter he has been taken from."
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
Following Mr Hand's death, a 43-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of murder. Police later charged Amanda McDonnell, 43, with murder, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, DM @MerPolCC or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 23001172520. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.