A Liverpool FC fan stabbed to death during Champions League celebrations in the city has been named locally as dad-of-two Bala Evans O'Rourke.

The 33-year-old was knifed outside bars in the city as thousands of fans partied into the morning following the Reds' European cup glory.

Tributes were today paid to Mr Evans O'Rourke, an Anfield fanatic, who was a talented footballer in his own right.

Two men are being quizzed on suspicion of murder.

Mr Evans O'Rourke's cousin, Kelly O'Rourke, posted on Facebook: "I just can't get over this.

(Image: johnrsiddle@gmail.com)

"Our poor family have lost an amazing young man. A father to two beautiful kids and amazing partner to his girl and a loving son to his amazing mum, who will be so devastated."

Mr Bala-O'Rourke's mum Pauline posted a photo of her son on the social media site, and quickly drew hundreds of comments of condolence.

Friend Donna Cleghorne wrote: "How can this happen!

"When the whole of Liverpool is celebrating, a family are devastated by a horrendous monstrous act of pure brutality.

"This has to stop, we should be able to relax when our sons and daughters are out. They should be safe. My heart goes out to Pauline O'Rourke and the family."

Merseyside Police scrambled to the scene outside the Wild Cat and Ink bars, in Back Colquitt Street, at 3am yesterday.

(Image: Getty Images)

Mr Evans O'Rourke, who starred as an amateur footballer in the Wirral Sunday League, was taken to Royal Liverpool University Hospital but died a short while later.

Mark Lefebure wrote on Facebook: "Devastating news to hear that an old school friend has had his life taken far too soon.

"RIP Bala Evans O'Rourke you were one of the cool ones.

Ryan Murray Bruce added: "One of the nicest human beings you could ever meet. It's always the great ones."

A 24-year-old man, from the Toxteth area of the city, was found stabbed in the arm and taken to hospital. He was later arrested.

A 19-year-old, also from Toxteth, was also arrested on suspicion of murder.

(Image: PA)

Police believe Mr Evans-O'Rourke may have known his attackers and that his death was not directly linked to the football match.

Detective Inspector Allison Woods, said: "The investigation is in its early stages and the motive for the attack is unknown. However, we understand the men were known to each other and the attack was targeted.

"At this time it is believed that the 33-year-old victim, who lived in the city centre, was involved in an altercation with two men.

"Two men, aged 19 and 24 years, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and will be interviewed by detectives."

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A knife believed to have been used in the incident has been recovered and is being examined by forensics.

DI Woods added: "The city centre was really busy in the early hours of this morning and I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has any information which could help us with our inquiries to contact us."