A night out with friends quickly descended into tragedy after two men were viciously knifed in the street in Altrincham. The incident, which police detectives have called 'senseless', saw a 31-year-old man fatally stabbed and a teenager, aged 17, left in hospital with serious injuries in the early hours of Sunday (August 21).
The tragic victim, who died in hospital a short while later, has been named as Tyson Fury's cousin Rico Burton. Heavyweight champion Fury, from Wythenshawe, paid tribute to his cousin following his death, along with his previous boxing coach who he trained with throughout his teenage years.
Following the attack, concerned members of the public were praised after rallying around in the middle of the street to try and give Burton, 31, first aid in a desperate bid to save his life. Police are still appealing to any family, friends and witnesses to come forward with information or footage as the murder investigation continues.
In a press conference held on Sunday afternoon, Superintendent Ben Ewart confirmed that currently, two men have been arrested and remain in custody to be questioned. Confirming Rico Burton as the victim, he said the attack was 'senseless' and took place as he was out enjoying a night out with friends.
“Both victims should have returned home this morning after enjoying a night out with friends,” Superintendent Ewart said.
“Everything suggests at this stage that [Mr Burton] was enjoying an evening out with friends, and this has taken place spontaneously and unplanned – it’s a very tragic ending to what should have been a good night out with friends."
He said police were called in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“At around 3am this morning on Sunday August 21, emergency services received multiple calls about a disturbance in Goose Green in Altrincham. On arrival, we found a 17-year-old male and a 31-year-old man with stab wounds receiving first aid from members of the public before officers and paramedics took over.
“Both males were taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary, where sadly the 31-year-old man succumbed to his injuries and died. I can confirm that male is Rico Burton. The 17-year-old remains in hospital with serious injuries.
“Can I take this opportunity first to pass on my sincere condolences to Rico’s family and friends, and also praise the members of the public who stepped in and provided first aid.”
Greater Manchester Police launched a murder investigation in the aftermath of the attack. Goose Green, an area populated with numerous bars, was cordoned off with forensics remaining at the scene throughout the day. Ewart said that the area is a 'popular nightspot' that 'would have been busy at the time', as he repeated his plea for anyone with information to contact the force.
Rico Burton was described as 'an absolute talent' with a 'great sense of humour' who was 'always smiling' in heartfelt tributes following his death on Sunday.
“Greater Manchester Police has launched a murder investigation and specialist officers are supporting both families," he added.
“A 21-year-old man was arrested at the scene, and a short while later, a 20-year-old male was further arrested in connection with this incident, and both remain in custody. This is without doubt a senseless attack and both victims should have returned home this morning after enjoying a night out with friends.
“Goose Green is a popular nightspot and would have been busy at the time and I appeal for anyone who was there overnight on Saturday August 20 or anyone with information about this incident including phone photograph footage or videos to come forward, in particular any friends of any of the victims or suspects who may have been out with them that night who has not yet come forward.
“We have increased police controls in the area and knife crime remains a priority for Greater Manchester Police, the devastating effects of which have been demonstrated this morning.”
Asked what police had been told about there being an argument, he said police are continuing a 'very live' investigation and it is a factor they are looking into. He added he could not confirm if there was a connection between the perpetrators and the victims who had been stabbed.
He said: “There are a number of people we need to identify and that’s again why I stress that anyone who was out with these groups come forward.”
Asked about Tyson Fury’s post, he said: “I am aware of the media circulation. I can’t confirm whether there is a connection with the family. It remains a number one priority of ours to remove knives from the street and try to tackle these kinds of incidents.”
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