RELATIVES of a schoolboy killed in Ellesmere Port are angry that a shrine to his memory has been trashed at least 25 times.

Family and friends of Johnny Delaney, 15, created the small remembrance area on the playing field in Lydden Road where he died.

It includes bouquets of flowers, messages and religious symbols such as that of the Virgin Mary.

But family members claim a small minority of people in the town are intent on ruining Johnny's memory by vandalising and burning the shrine.

One male relative, who wished to be known only as Michael, said: 'We set-up the shrine on the edge of the football pitch immediately after Johnny died.

'But it is continually being damaged, especially every Friday and Saturday night.

'I've repaired it at least five times myself, and other members of the family have repaired it more than 25 times.'

He added: 'We don't want any trouble with the community at all. We just want Johnny to rest in peace.

'But some people here don't want to let us do that.'

Anne Fawson, who lives on the Westminster estate, said most residents were 'saddened' by Johnny's death.

She added: 'Unfortunately, we have members in our community who feel the need to destroy this shrine.

'In doing this, not only are they upsetting Johnny's family, but also upsetting our community, from children to adults.

'Johnny was just a child and should be allowed to rest in peace.'

The schoolboy, who was in the town visiting friends, died following an alleged incident on the field at about 5.50pm on Wednesday, May 28.

He lived with his mother Winifred and father Patrick on the Tara Park caravan site in Oil Street, Vauxhall, Liverpool. He also leaves two brothers and four sisters.

* Two youths, aged 15 and 16, both from Ellesmere Port, have been charged with Johnny's murder. They are next due before Chester Youth Court on July 31.