Tyson Fury's cousin was stabbed to death outside a Manchester bar in the early hours of Sunday morning with the boxer calling on government to introduce stronger punishments for knife crime.
Rico Burton, 31, was one of two men allegedly stabbed in the incident which took place at 3am, with a second person, 17, taken to hospital with serious injuries. The heavyweight champion said on social media "RIP Rico Burton" and compared knife crime to a "pandemic", adding, "you don't know how bad it is until it's one of your own".
Two men - aged 20 and 21 - were arrested on suspicion of murder.
Fury, who is in Mallorca for the latest leg of his speaking tour, took to social media to break the news, writes the Mirror. In a post on Instagram, the boxer wrote: "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 and 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 is understood to have been a boxer himself with Fury's amateur coach Steve Egan posting on social media: "Rico Burton, fantastic boxer, very skilled, lovely lad and always smiling , R.I.P."
Fury received a host of supportive comments from fans, with one writing: "Condol to pay their condolences, with one writing: "Seriously this has to stop another life taken too soon, so sorry to and your family for your sad loss x." Another believes his powerful message should resonate with many, writing: "So sorry for your families sad loss. You are right make the sentence a proper one and they might think twice about carrying a knife. Let your voice be heard Tyson, use your platform to get it across and campaign for a better future for our kids."
Emergency services are believed to have been called to Railway Street in the Goose Green area of Altrincham, Greater Manchester, at around 3.30am on Sunday morning. Witnesses to the incident told the Manchester Evening News that paramedics gave CPR to Burton at the scene but that he passed away after being taken to hospital.
Forensic officers erected a tent around the crime scene after police had set up a cordon in the hours following the incident. One witness said: "Paramedics were seen giving CPR to at least one victim. There were at least 20 police vehicles there, including armed police."
Police in Manchester have appealed for information, with a statement reading: "Police are appealing to the public for further information after two males were stabbed outside a bar in Altrincham. Shortly after 3am this morning (Sunday 21 August 2022), Police were called to reports of two males having been stabbed outside a bar on Goose Green, Altrincham.
"Emergency services attended the scene. Two men were rushed to hospital with serious and life changing injuries. A 31-year-old male has sadly passed away a short time later in hospital. A 17-year-old male also remains in hospital with serious injuries.
"A 21-year-old male was arrested at the scene on suspicion of section 18 assault and remains in custody. A murder investigation has been launched and would like to appeal to members of the public who have any further information regarding this incident.
"Anyone with information, CCTV, photos, or videos regarding this incident should contact us on 101 quoting incident 475 of 21/08/2022 or on 0161 856 7386. Alternatively, you report information via www.gmp.police.uk or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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