Tributes paid to murdered Wirral dad Marc Clarke

Jan 30 2012 by Helen Hunt, Liverpool Echo

Shocked onlookers told of an argument erupting after the two men got out of their cars. The ECHO understands Mr Clarke may have known his attacker, and may even have given police a name before he died.

Emergency services arrived at the scene within minutes and Mr Clarke was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

On Facebook, friends expressed disbelief at his death.

One wrote: “Life is more delicate than I have ever really imagined.

“Marc was a top, top fella, wise, witty and taken too soon. He is the guy you thought would be there forever. Words are never enough to express the vile way he was murdered. I can't accept it.”

Mr Clarke’s daughter was thought to have been collected from school by police officers.

Post mortem results showed Mr Clarke died as a result of the stabbing.

Officers cordoned off Teehey Lane after the stabbing and a number of shops closed. The Acorn Pub – a large public house on the opposite side of the road – was also closed.

Shocked residents near the scene of the attack said they were “horrified” by what happened.

One said: “When I heard someone had been stabbed, I just went cold.

“That sort of thing doesn’t happen around here. I’m horrified. The poor man was just about to collect his girl from school and this happens, I can’t believe it.”

Mr Clarke’s neighbours described him as “a salt of the earth” character, while another said how much he loved his children.

Friend paid more tributes on a special Facebook memorial page set up in honour of the popular dad. One posting read: “Marc was a true gentleman of the highest order .

“A massive-hearted lad who wanted to make this world a better place.”

Steven Branscombe, 42, of Boswell Street, Birkenhead, was charged by police with Mr Clarke’s murder on Saturday, and is due to appear at Wirral Magistrates’ Court today.