Fireworks lit up the sky and balloons were released as a south Manchester community remembered a teenager whose life was snatched away from him. A vigil was held to remember Kyle Hackland, who was just 17-years-old when he was fatally stabbed in Withington on Tuesday (November 22).
On Sunday evening, hundreds gathered along Southlea Road, at the exact spot where he was fatally injured. Members of the local community, along with close family and friends, met shortly before 5pm to come together and remember the 'kind and well-mannered young boy'.
Candles were lit and touching floral tributes were laid on the ground beside pictures of the teenager, before a countdown was held and huge clusters of balloons were released into the sky, followed by a display of fireworks.
The cousin of Kyle's mum, Becky Gormley, was at the vigil on Sunday night. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News , she said: "It was very emotional but heartwarming to see how many people showed up to show how loved he was. I can’t even tell you how many people were there. There were hundreds. I was overwhelmed with how many people came to support our family.
"It was where it happened, on Southlea Road. There is a memorial in place and candles lit every night by friends and family with permission from the residents who live there. They have also been amazing and so kind."
Kyle Hackland, 17, was fatally stabbed on Southlea Road - on the border of Withington and Burnage - at around 11.30am on Tuesday (November 22). Police raced to the scene, where Kyle was taken to hospital, but tragically died as a result of his injuries.
In a statement released by his family, they said their lives would 'never be the same without him' as they paid tribute to their 'beautiful son'.
Their statement said: “We are devastated by the death of our beloved Kyle. He was such a kind and well-mannered young boy who always looked out for his family – never failing to say “love you” as he walked out the door.
“There are no words that can even begin to describe the pain we feel. We have always been such a close family, and this has shattered us all.
"He will forever be missed as a beautiful son as well as a caring and helpful big brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. Life will never be the same without him, we are completely broken."
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