A FUNDRAISING appeal has been launched to support the family of Ellesmere Port murder victim Steven Carey.

Friends of the "funny, kind and witty" 31-year-old have set up a GoFundMe page with a target of £3,000 to help pay for funeral costs.

The aim of the appeal is to ease the burden on Mr Carey's family and give him "the best send off they possibly can".

Flowers and Everton FC tributes have been left on a tree in Regent Street, Ellesmere Port, which has been turned into a shrine to the popular Toffees supporter.

It was on nearby Pooltown Road where police found Mr Carey had sustained serious injuries on the night of Saturday, March 14. He was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital but later died.

Ben Wilkinson, 25, of Waverton Road, Great Sutton, is accused of murdering Mr Carey as well as threatening him with a knife.

Chester and District Standard:

Launching the online fundraising page 'A send off for Ste Carey", friend Katy Jenkins said: "Steven Carey was sadly taken away from us in extremely devastating circumstances.

"This kind hearted and true Evertonian was taken far too soon, he was only 31 years old and hadn't even begun to live his life yet! His family and friends are all broken hearted and will never truly get over the loss of this funny, kind and witty young man.

"We wanted to set this Go Fund Me page up to try and help his family out at this extremely sad and hard time for them, to try and ease the stress and pain that they are already going through after losing their youngest son.

"Your donations will help massively big or small to go towards helping them pay for his funeral costs and anything else they need towards giving him the best send off they possibly can. Thank you."

To support the fundraising appeal click here.