The victim stabbed to death in Altrincham was Tyson Fury’s cousin Rico Burton, the Manchester Evening News understands. Officers and paramedics scrambled to the scene, on Goose Green in the early hours of Sunday morning (August 21).
Police have since confirmed that a male, aged 31, died in hospital a short time later, with another male, aged 17, sustaining serious injuries. The fatal victim is understood to be Rico Burton, the cousin of pro boxer Tyson Fury. A 21-year-old male has been arrested and is being questioned in custody.
Police are now appealing to the public for further information after the two males were stabbed outside a bar on Goose Green. A murder investigation has been launched, the force added
Heavyweight champion Tyson, who is originally from Wythenshawe, took to Instagram on Sunday morning to confirm the death of his cousin. He added that he had been ‘stabbed’ alongside a picture that read ‘Stop Knife Crime’.
Tyson wrote that his cousin had been ‘stabbed in the neck’ in an incident, before adding: “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.” On Sunday morning forensics pictured at the scene in Altrincham, within the cordon. Anyone with any information that could assist with enquiries is being urged to contact police.
A GMP spokesperson said: “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.”
Former youth boxing star Rico had been watching the Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk fight with pals in a pub before going to another several miles away in Altrincham. It is believed he got into a row inside, before going outside for a “straightener”. One witness said: “It was a bloodbath. Other people were trying their best to save his life, giving him first aid but there was so much blood. Nobody could have saved him.’’
Supt Ben Ewart, of Greater Manchester Police, said the stabbing was a “senseless act” that cops believe was “unplanned.” He said Rico should have been “enjoying being out with friends” and that it was a “tragic end.”
Jim Flanagan, 75, said he saw Rico watching the heavyweight bout in a nearby pub and had given him a hug and bought him a pint hours before he was killed. He said: “He was just so full of life. To hear that he’s gone, it’s heartbreaking. “He was such a nice guy, my thoughts are with all his family and our condolences are with all of them. He was one of the good ones.”
Tributes have poured in for Rico, including from his and Tyson’s former boxing coach, Steve Egan, 60.
He said: “I taught Rico, he was a lovely lad. I’m devastated. I feel like crying, he was a fantastic fella. He was a great laugh, there wasn’t a bad bone in him.”
Rico’s death comes amid a wave of knife and gun violence across the UK.
At least 11 people have been stabbed in England and Wales since last Monday.
