Dad who never met his daughter stabbed at little sister's birthday party

September 6 2004 promised to be a happy day for the Kinsella family as they gathered in their garden to celebrate the 13th birthday of their daughter, Alesha. But the party was cut short in the most horrific way when a gang stormed the area, leaving children terrified and a 21-year-old man fatally wounded.

It has been 20 years since Curtis Kinsella was attacked in the street. The incident saw innocent Curtis thrown to the ground on Alwyn Street in Aigburth while youngsters played outside.

A gang jumped from a silver car and with their victim lying defenceless on the pavement, they plunged a knife into his back. He managed to stagger into his mum’s home before collapsing, as the gang fled in the same silver car they had arrived in moments before.

READ MORE: Man describes scene of tragic accident after he saw 'distressed' workman going past his window

READ MORE: Dad who repeatedly punched woman jailed and released on same day

He was rushed to the Royal Liverpool Hospital. But his injuries were too severe, and he died having never regained consciousness. Just 21 at the time, Curtis was engaged to be married to his girlfriend Hayley, and the couple were eagerly anticipating the birth of their first child, Olivia.

Curtis, a car mechanic, had been working long hours to save up for when the baby arrived - but his life was cut short before he ever had the chance to meet his little girl. Two decades later, the investigation into Curtis' death remains open. But no charges and no arrests have been made for more than 10 years.

Curtis' mum Michaela moved away from Alwyn Street in 2014. In a fresh appeal for the anniversary of his death, she said: “Curtis would have been 41-years-old in July. His daughter Olivia, was born three months after her dad died so has grown up without having him in her life – she will be 20 in December.

“Losing a child is something you don’t get over and the grief is always there. The whole family have suffered losing him and have all missed out on growing up together. His sister, whose 13th birthday was taking place when he was attacked, has recently given birth to a baby and she has grown up without her older brother being there for her. Now his niece will never get to meet him too.

“I still feel angry and frustrated that there are people who have information and know who is responsible for this but haven’t come forward. I just hope that they find it in the hearts and conscience to come forward and do the right thing by contacting the police so we can get justice for his murder.

“The whole family have suffered for the past 20 years. Someone out there knows who did this – and it's not too late to search your conscience and come forward now.”

There have been numerous arrests in connection with the crime over the years, but no-one has ever been charged. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police Serious Crime Review Unit said: “It is now 20 years since the tragic death of Curtis Kinsella who was stabbed to death on Alwyn Street in Aigburth. His family have been through a traumatic experience with many questions that remain unanswered.

“Despite it being a number of years ago it doesn’t mean that his death has been forgotten about or that we won’t act on any information given to us.

“I would continue to ask anyone who thinks they may have information which could assist the investigation to come forward. You could make the difference and ensure that the person responsible for his death is put behind bars where they belong.

“Whatever information you have on what happened or who was involved, we want to hear from you. You can speak to us direct on 101, by messaging us on twitter @MerPolCC or you can leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”