Alec McFadden, chairman of Merseyside TUC and anti-racism campaigner, said: "This is a shocking crime. My heart goes out to Anthony's family." Last night tributes poured in from friends and neighbours. Student Glynn Hunter, 18, played basketball with Anthony regularly before the teenager gave up the sport. Glynn, who now plays for the Liverpool national league side, said Anthony was "a real joker" at practices and so gentle-natured that he could not imagine why anyone would ever want to hurt him. He added: "Anthony used to play for the Kirkby team in the local leagues. "We practised once a week and he was always the life and soul of the team. "He was a real joker and was always smiling. "Everybody knew who he was and he was liked by everyone. "He was never involved in anything dodgy and did not hang around with the wrong crowd. "Why anyone would want to do this horrendous thing to him is a total mystery." Liverpool basketball coach Henry Mooney said: "Anthony tried out for the team last year. "He was always enthusiastic and one of the real characters. "He was also a very, very nice lad and it is tragic that something like this can happen in this day and age." Jean Watson and her daughter, Alyssa, 15, who goes to school with Anthony's sister, Angella, added a bouquet to the growing mass of flowers outside McGoldrick Park yesterday. She said: "They are just a lovely family. Everyone in the community loves them. It is just terrible." Alyssa added: "It shouldn't have happened to Anthony. His family must be devastated. Our hearts go out to the Walker family and we just hope they catch whoever did this." Neighbour Glenda Walker, who is no relation but a close friend of Anthony's mother, a gospel singer, said: "They were the first black family on the estate. "We used to joke that we were the white Walkers and they were the black Walkers. They were just so helpful and kind and would have done anyone a favour." * Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. samlister@dailypost.co.uk | 
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