The mother of a young man stabbed to death in Tameside has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her son.
Dylan Keelan, 20, died after being attacked on Cheetham Hill Road in Dukinfield at around 9:30pm on Friday night.
Four teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
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In a moving statement released tonight (Sunday), Dylan's mum Nicole described him as a "lovely, hardworking, kind and respectful boy" and said his shock death had left her "broken and distraught."
"He absolutely loved his family and close friends," she said.
"Dylan will be missed dearly by everyone who had the pleasure to be around him.
"He will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart and part of my life.
"It is difficult to put into words at this moment as I am broken and distraught.
"I just want to say thank you to everyone for their support, kind words and donations.
"Finally, in Dylan's own words 'Always find a way to turn a negative into a positive', so let's all stay strong together."
Tributes have poured in for Dylan following the tragedy with his cousin Zo Wardle telling the Manchester Evening News " Dylan was an absolutely amazing lad, he was polite and well mannered, caring, and funny. He had his whole life ahead of him."
A close friend told the M.E.N. he was attacked in a shop after a party.
She said: "He was a really nice lad, well known in the area."
Heartbroken pals also paid tribute on Facebook.
Keira Brown saId: "RIP Dylan Keelan.
"Such heartbreaking news! You were one of the most amazing people to walk this earth. Devastated."
Courtney Arrowsmith wrote: "Rip Dylan Keelan. Such a nice lad and so young.
"This world is cruel & the people living in it are worse. You didn’t deserve this."
Another wrote: "RIP Dylan Keelan, cruel, cruel world. Taken far too young."
Two of the teenage boys arrested remain in custody Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed tonight, with two having been released under investigation.
A police cordon remained in place on Saturday with locals speaking of their shock at what had happened.
The force said enquiries are ongoing and they are particularly appealing for anyone who may have information about what happened, or dashcam footage from the surrounding area at around the time of the incident to come forward immediately.
Detective Inspector Lee Shaw, from GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "Our thoughts are with Dylan's loved ones - specialist colleagues are liaising with them.
"We have two suspects in custody but our investigation is very much ongoing so I appeal to anyone who can assist us in any way, shape or form to get in touch.
"Extra officers remain in the area to reassure the community whilst exercising their powers to carry out increased stops and searches under Section 60."
Anyone with information, images or footage can send them to GMP's Major Incident Public Portal here.
