News
19-year-old charged with murder of student Luke O’Connor in Fallowfield
Daisy Jackson -
31st October 2022 
A man, 19, has been charged with the murder of MMU student Luke O’Connor, who was fatally stabbed in Fallowfield last week.
GMP confirmed that the teenager, Shiloh George Pottinger of Fallowfield, will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court today.
He is also accused of possession of a bladed article and has been remanded in custody.
Pottinger was arrested on Friday 28 October as part of the investigation into Luke’s death on Wilmslow Road.
The tragic incident saw emergency services administer CPR to the young student at the scene, but he later died in hospital of his injuries.
Paying tribute to him, Luke’s family said he was a ‘gentle giant with big hopes and dreams for the future’.
Specially trained officers remain in contact with Luke’s family.
Superintendent Helen Critchley, of GMP’s City of Manchester South district, said: “Our detectives have been in liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service who have authorised us this afternoon to charge a suspect with Luke’s murder, which is a significant moment in this case for all concerned.
“Luke and his family remain at the front-and-centre of our investigation and my thoughts are with them this evening at the end of what will have been the most devastating week of their lives.
“We’ve also felt the shock and hurt in our large student community in Fallowfield, and we are continuing to listen and address the concerns that people have spoken to us about this week.
“I’d like to remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and nothing should be posted online that could jeopardise the defendant’s right to a free trial, therefore it’s really important people refrain from speculation or commentary on social media throughout the hearing of the case.
“We’re grateful for all the information the public have given us so far and anyone who is yet to speak to us who may have details that could help our investigation should call 0161 856 6777 quoting incident 240 of 26/10/2022.”
Featured image: GMP
