Two men arrested on suspicion of the murder of a cousin of world boxing champion Tyson Fury remained in police custody today for questioning, its been confirmed.
Tributes, meanwhile, are continuing to flood in for Rico Burton, 31, who was also a boxer. Images from the scene today showed bunches of flowers have been left in tribute, as a police cordon remained in force.
Mr Burton, who it's understood had been out watching the Anthony Joshua/Oleksandr Usyk fight, was stabbed in what police called a 'senseless act' during a disturbance at Goose Green in Altrincham, Trafford, in the early hours of Sunday - the Manchester Evening News told how a night out with friends turned to horrific tragedy.
Passers-by heroically performed CPR but sadly, he died as a result of his injuries at Manchester Royal Infirmary. Greater Manchester Police said today - Monday - investigations were ongoing.
A 21-year-old man arrested at the scene remained in custody together with a 20-year-old man who was held later on Sunday. Both men, who haven't been named, are being held on suspicion of murder.
The attack saw a huge emergency services response with a 17-year-old boy also badly hurt in the double stabbing. He remained in a serious but a non-life threatening condition in hospital today, with police reporting no investigational updates.
Meanwhile speaking today, the former chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, Sir Peter Fahy, said harsher court sentences 'have their part to play' in tackling knife crime.
Two-time world heavyweight champion Fury, 33, from Wythenshawe, called for an end to knife crime in a post on his social media channels in which he said his cousin Mr Burton was 'stabbed in the neck'.
Writing on Instagram, Fury said: "My cousin was murdered last night, stabbed in the neck this is becoming ridiculous … idiots carry knives. This needs to stop. Asap, UK government needs to bring higher sentencing for knife crime, it’s a pandemic & you don’t know how bad it is until [it’s] 1 of your own!
"Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quick enjoy every moment … RIP RICO BURTON may the lord God grant you a good place in heven [sic]. see you soon."
Sir Peter told Sky News: "If you carry a knife, you will be much more likely to be a victim of knife crime. It all comes back to young people not feeling safe on the street, the level of gang activity, the impact of criminal gangs, the impact of county lines drug trade.
Responding to the claim that those found guilty of knife crime are receiving more lenient sentences than before the pandemic, Sir Peter said: "The main issue is the huge backlog… There is a backlog of 58,000 cases and if you’re dealing with young criminals, crucially you get them into court quickly.
"If they are out on bail, the chances are that they’re going to commit more crime which puts more work back into the system and creates more victims.
"Absolutely harsher sentences have their part to play, but often when you’re talking about a random offence like knife crime where somebody chooses suddenly to pull out a knife, and they stab someone in the artery causing them to die, really it’s not in their mind how long of a prison sentence (they are) going to get.
"The crucial thing is that the police are out there to arrest people, they get into the court system quickly and adequate measures are put in place not only to control that person but to try and rehabilitate them. I think it’s that lack of capacity in the court system which will be worrying police most."
Shaun Egan, who previously coached Mr Burton alongside his brother Steve at Jimmy Egan's Boxing Academy in Manchester, spoke to the Manchester Evening News after the 31-year-old's tragic passing.
"He was an absolute talent," he said. "He was such a nice lad, he was hard working and had a great sense of humour. "What's happened is just awful. He was just a great guy. To hear he has died like this is devastating."
Speaking at a press conference Detective Superintendent Ben Ewart said: "Firstly, may I take this opportunity to pass on my sincere condolences the family and friends of Rico at the very difficult time.
"I would like to commend members of the public who were at the scene, who administered first aid prior to the emergency services arrival. Greater Manchester Police have launched a murder investigation and specialist officers are supporting the victim's family.
"A 21-year-old male was arrested at the scene and a 20-year-old male was arrested later this morning, both of whom remain in custody. This was a senseless act and both victims should have returned home this morning after enjoying a night out with friends.
"I would like to appeal to anyone who was at the popular night spot of Goose Green in Altrincham overnight or who may have information in connection with this incident. Any photographs, videos or CCTV footage would also be extremely valuable in aiding our investigations. I urge anyone who was out with the victims or suspects who have not yet come forward, to please do so."
Police patrols, meanwhile, have been stepped up in the area.
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