Kirkby: Son of woman stabbed near pub charged with murder

Karen Dempsey was described as a "beautiful, vivacious and compassionate woman"

The son of a woman found stabbed in a pub car park has been charged with her murder.

Karen Dempsey, 55, died in hospital after officers were called to a disturbance at the Brambles pub in Kirkby at 20:10 BST on Monday.

Jamie Dempsey, 32, of Brechin Road, Kirkby, handed himself in to officers.

He was also charged with possession of a bladed article, wounding with intent and affray and is due before Liverpool magistrates on Thursday.

A 38-year-old man also arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray and wounding continues to be questioned by Merseyside Police.

Officers were called to the scene on Cherryfield Drive

The family of Ms Dempsey said she was a "beautiful, vivacious and compassionate woman" whose "zest for life was infectious".

In a tribute, they said she was "dedicated to her work" and "a fantastic advocate for social justice" who made a real difference to people's lives across Kirkby.

"As a family we are devastated by her untimely death [which has] left a huge void in our lives," they said.