A man has been charged with murder in relation to the death of a cousin of the heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury.
Liam O’Prey, 21, was arrested after 31-year-old Rico Burton was stabbed to death outside a bar in the Goose Green area of Altrincham, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
O’Prey was remanded in custody before appearing at Manchester and Salford magistrates court on Wednesday, Greater Manchester police said.
He has also been accused of assault in relation to a critically injured 17-year-old boy, who received life-saving treatment from members of the public at the scene of the alleged incident, according to police. The teenager is in a stable condition and is recovering in hospital. His family asked the police to thank those who intervened.
Posting on social media, Fury pleaded for an end to knife crime. Describing it as a “pandemic” he told his followers: “This needs to stop,” adding: “You don’t know how bad it is until it’s one 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 heaven. See you soon.”
Burton’s boxing coach, Steve Egan, said he was “devastated” by the news, calling Burton a “lovely lad” who trained at the club for five years, winning two national titles. “He was a fantastic boxer, a very relaxed and skilful boxer. One of the nicest lads you could meet.”
Speaking to the PA Media news agency, Egan said: “He could [have] gone a long way in the professional boxing ranks – lovely lad, always smiling. We are all devastated by this very sad news and really feel for all the family. RIP Rico Burton.”
