Rico Burton, 31, was one of two males attacked in the popular Goose Green area of Altrincham, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of Sunday.
Monday 22 August 2022 11:23, UK
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.
He and a 17-year-old boy both suffered stab wounds, with the latter still in hospital with serious injuries.
Police revealed that members of the public gave first aid to both victims at the scene of what was described as a “popular night spot”, which would have been busy at the time – around 3am.
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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 over the “spontaneous and unplanned” attack, he added.
They remain in custody after Mr Burton succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
Det Supt Ewart offered his “sincere condolences to Rico’s family and friends” and to those of the 17-year-old, and they are being supported by specialist officers.
The police news conference came after Fury posted on Instagram to reveal that 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 heavyweight world champion boxer.
Boxing trainer and family friend Steve Egan, who has coached both Fury and Mr Burton, told Sky News: “I got a phone call this morning and could have cried straight away.
“I’ve known Rico since he was about 14. He was a fantastic lad… a great lad.”
‘This needs to stop’
Fury used his social media post to demand tougher sentences for knife crime.
Describing the violence as “a pandemic”, the 34-year-old said: “This is becoming ridiculous – idiots carry knives. This needs to stop.
“You don’t know how hard it is until it’s one of your own.
“Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quick. Enjoy every moment.”
In the year ending March 2022, knife crime increased by 10% in England and Wales with a total of 49,027 incidents in that period – up from 44,642, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Knife and offensive weapon offences dealt with by the Criminal Justice System (CJS) has increased by 5% – but is still lower than before the pandemic.
Latest figures published by the Ministry of Justice show that in the year ending March 2022, the CJS dealt with 19,555 cases – compared with 22,183 in the year ending March 2019.
Similar to the period 2014-2019, the most recent increase was driven by a rise in possession of an article with a blade or point offences. This was up 8% on the previous year and now accounts for two thirds (67%) of total knife crime.
Det Supt Ewart said knife crime “remains a priority” for Greater Manchester Police following the incident.
Anyone with information, CCTV, photos, or videos regarding the incident is asked to contact police on 0161 856 7386 or 101 quoting incident 475 of 21/08/2022.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
It comes after Fury vowed to come out of retirement to take on Oleksandr Usyk following the Ukrainian’s defeat of Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
Usyk claimed he would either retire or face the “Gypsy King” next.
In a now-deleted Instagram post, Fury suggested he would be open to taking on Usyk.
“I’ve just seen Joshua lose for the second time to Usyk – out of his depth,” he said.
He added: “Send me in. I will relieve the Ukrainian dosser of his belts like I did the last Ukrainian dosser.”
