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Floral tributes have been left outside a city centre nightclub where a 21-year-old was stabbed to death .

Sam Cook , from Crosby, was out celebrating his 21st birthday at Empire on Seel Street on Saturday when he was fatally stabbed in the heart.

Several bouquets of flowers with messages to the 21-year-old have been left at the scene of his death as tributes continue to flood in .

Paula Wilson-Jones said: “Celebrating his 21st birthday too. Don’t know him personally but remember his name as my children went to school with Sam and his younger brother - just heartbreaking.”

She added: “We as a family send love and thoughts to you and your family Sam xxxx.”

(Image: Jason Roberts)

Jules Dainton said: “So very sad x I have two boys same age and can’t imagine what his parents are going through x Town is a dangerous place now x I hope they catch whoever done this [sic]”

Alison Duffy said: “What a total waste of a young man’s life, feel for his family and friends, no one deserves to die at such a young age and so horrid, such a waste of a young life, R.I.P young man, god bless his family and friends.”

(Image: Facebook)

Rachael Acton said: “My worst nightmare, my heart breaks for his family right now. I wish I could wrap mine up in cotton wool forever, so sad.”

The former Chesterfield High pupil, who was partying with his girlfriend and pals at the time, was reportedly attacked after attempting to defend a woman who had a glass thrown at her .

Police said the details of the altercation in Empire were still being established and potential witnesses were being spoken to by detectives.

It is still unclear if Mr Cook sustained his injuries from a knife, or the jagged edges of a broken glass or bottle.

Police have arrested a 20-year-old, from Anfield, on suspicion of murder , and two women, both aged 19, on suspicion of assisting an offender .

Officers have appealed for seven young men who were seen leaving Empire just after the incident to contact them.

The men were captured on CCTV cameras talking to a black hackney cab driver, but not getting inside his vehicle.

The group walked away from the taxi towards Berry Street.

(Image: Jason Roberts)

Detectives are keen to speak to them, or the cab driver who spoke with them.

* Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives on 0151 7774814 or 0151 7774065, call 101 quoting incident 1254, or you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously and for free, on 0800 555 111.