A murder investigation has been launched after Tyson Fury’s cousin was stabbed to death in a “senseless” attack outside a bar.
Rico Burton, 31, was one of two people attacked in the Goose Green area of Altrincham, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of Sunday.
Both he and a 17-year-old boy suffered stab wounds, with the latter still in hospital with serious injuries.
Police revealed members of the public administered first aid to the two victims at what was described as a “popular nightspot”, which was said to be busy at the time, around 3am.
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1:30 “This was a senseless attack”
Detective Superintendent Ben Ewart, of Greater Manchester Police, told a news conference: “Both victims should have returned home after enjoying a night out with friends.”
Two men, aged 21 and 20, have been arrested for the “spontaneous and unplanned” attack, he added.
They remain in custody after Mr Burton succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
Detective Superintendent Ewart offered his “heartfelt condolences to Rico’s family and friends” and those of the 17-year-old, and they are being supported by specialist officers.
The police press conference came after Fury took to Instagram to reveal his cousin had died after being “stabbed in the neck”.
“RIP Rico Burton – may the Lord God grant you a good place in heaven, see you soon,” said the world heavyweight champion boxer.
Boxing trainer and family friend Steve Egan, who has trained both Fury and Burton, told Sky News: “I got a phone call this morning and I could have cried straight away.
“I’ve known Rico since I was about 14. He was a great guy…a great guy.”
Image: Forensic investigators at the scene, with cordon placed
“This has to stop”
Fury used his social media post to call for tougher sentences for knife crime.
Describing the violence as “a pandemic”, the 34-year-old said: “This is getting ridiculous – idiots are carrying knives. This has to stop.”
“You don’t know how hard it is until it’s one of your own,” he added.
“Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quickly. Enjoy every moment.”
Supt Ewart said knife crime “remains a priority” for Greater Manchester Police following the incident.
Anyone with information, CCTV, photos or videos about the incident is asked to contact police on 0161 856 7386 or 101 quoting incident 475 of 21/08/2022.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
It comes after Fury vowed to come out of retirement to face Oleksandr Usyk following the Ukrainian’s defeat to Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
Usyk claimed he would retire or face the “Gypsy King.”
In a now-deleted Instagram post, Fury suggested he would be open to facing Usyk.
“I just saw Joshua lose for the second time to Usyk, out of his depth,” he said.
He added: “Send me. I’ll take the Ukrainian file off their belts like I did the last Ukrainian file.”