Rico Burton, age 31, was one of two individuals attacked early Sunday morning in the fashionable Goose Green neighborhood of Altrincham, Greater Manchester.
A murder inquiry has been opened after Tyson Fury’s cousin was fatally stabbed outside of a club in a “senseless” incident.
Rico Burton, age 31, was one of two people attacked early Sunday morning in the Goose Green neighborhood of Altrincham, Greater Manchester.
Both he and a 17-year-old lad were stabbed; the latter remains hospitalized with critical injuries.
Police disclosed that members of the public administered first treatment to both victims in the area, which was a “popular night spot” that would have been crowded around 3 a.m.
Greater Manchester Police Detective Superintendent Ben Ewart stated during a news conference, “Both victims should have returned home following a night out with friends.”
Two individuals, aged 21 and 20, have been arrested in connection with the “unplanned and spontaneous” incident, he added.
After Mr. Burton succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, they remain detained.
Det. Supt. Ewart extended his “heartfelt sympathies to Rico’s family and friends” as well as those of the 17-year-old, who is being assisted by specialized police.
The police news conference occurred after Fury revealed on Instagram that his relative had been “neck-stabbed” to death.
The heavyweight world champion boxer remarked, “R.I.P. Rico Burton; may the Lord provide you a wonderful position in heaven; meet you soon.”
Steve Egan, a boxing trainer and family friend who has trained both Tyson Fury and Mr. Burton, told: “I received a phone call this morning and could have sobbed immediately.
“I’ve known Rico since he was approximately 14 years old.” He was a wonderful boy… a beautiful boy.”
“This needs to cease”
His social media post demanded harsher penalties for knife crimes.
The 34-year-old man referred to the violence as a “pandemic” and stated, “This is ridiculous – idiots carry knives. This must be stopped.
“You don’t realize how difficult it is until it’s your own.
“Life is extremely valuable and can be taken away very quickly. “Appreciate every minute”
According to the Office for National Statistics, knife crime grew by 10% in England and Wales for the year ending in March 2022, from 44,642 incidences to 49,027.
The number of knife and offensive weapon offenses handled by the Criminal Justice System (CJS) has grown by 5% but is still lower than it was before the pandemic.
The CJS handled 19,555 cases in the fiscal year ending in March 2022, compared to 22,183 in the fiscal year ending in March 2019.
Similar to the period 2014-2019, the most recent increase was driven by an increase in possession of bladed or pointed object offenses. This increased by 8% from the previous year and currently accounts for 67% of all knife crimes.
Following the event, Detective Superintendent Ewart stated that knife crime “remains a priority” for Greater Manchester Police.
It comes after Fury vowed to return from retirement to face Oleksandr Usyk, following Usyk’s victory over Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
Usyk stated that he will either retire or fight the “Gypsy King” as his next opponent.
In an Instagram post that has since been deleted, Fury said he would be willing to fight Usyk.
“I’ve just witnessed Joshua lose twice to Usyk; he’s out of his depth,” he remarked.
He continued, “Send me in. I shall remove the Ukrainian dosser’s belts, as I did with the previous Ukrainian dosser.”
