Tyson Fury has made an emotional anti-knife crime plea after his cousin was “stabbed in the neck” and killed in Altrincham over the weekend.
The 34-year-old Wythenshawe-born heavyweight boxer took to Instagram on Sunday to liken the rise in knife crime to a “pandemic” and state that it “needs to stop” as he paid tribute to his late cousin, saying “RIP Rico Burton – may the lord God grant you a good place in heaven, see you soon.”
Fury’s statement continued: “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.”
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Fury’s tribute comes after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that at around 3am on Sunday 21 August, emergency services received multiple calls about a disturbance at Goose Green in Altrincham, and on arrival, officers found two males – a 17-year-old and a 31-year-old – with stab wounds.
GMP explained that the males were receiving first aid from members of the public, before officers and paramedics arrived at the scene, and both were taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary – but the 31-year-old man “tragically” passed away.
The 31-year-old victim has officially been named as Rico Burton, GMP confirms.
It has also been confirmed by Greater Manchester Police that a 21-year-old male was arrested at the scene, and a 20-year-old male was arrested later yesterday morning.
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Both remain in police custody.
Providing further comment on the attack, Detective Superintendent Ben Ewart explained: “Firstly, may I take this opportunity to pass on my sincere condolences the family and friends of Rico at the very difficult time… [and] Greater Manchester Police have launched a murder investigation and specialist officers are supporting the victim’s family.”
“This was a senseless act and both victims should have returned home this morning after enjoying a night out with friends,” he added.
DC Ewart also made an appeal for information: “I would like to appeal to anyone who was at the popular night spot of Goose Green in Altrincham overnight or who may have information in connection with this incident.
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“Any photographs, videos or CCTV footage would also be extremely valuable in aiding our investigations.”
Goose Green in Altrincham / Credit: Google Maps
He also urged anyone who was out with the victims or suspects, who have not yet come forward, to “please do so”, and confirmed that there are increased police patrols in the area.
“Tackling knife crime remains a priority for Greater Manchester Police,” DC Ewart concluded.
Anyone with information, CCTV, photos, or videos regarding this incident should contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 7386 or 101 quoting incident 475 of 21/08/2022, and members of the public can upload photos, videos, and information via the Major incident public portal here.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Rico Burton (via Facebook)
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Labrador puppy dies after being ‘deliberately thrown’ into Greater Manchester marina
Daisy Jackson
A five-month-old Labrador puppy has died after being ‘deliberately thrown’ into a marina in Greater Manchester last week, suffering ‘multiple fractures’.
The tiny pooch was initially pulled to safety by a passing member of the public, who found her struggling in the water between two boats.
The black puppy, who was nicknamed Peggy by RSCPA staff, had suffered such severe breaks to her jaw that she would have been unable to eat or drink and was humanely put to sleep.
The RSPCA is now urging local businesses to check their CCTV for any information relating to this shocking incident, and for any witnesses or people who recognise Peggy to come forward.
The puppy was thrown into the water at the Portland Basin Marina in Ashton-under-Lyne last Wednesday 12 March, and was pulled from the water by a passer-by at around 3.20pm.
Peggy was found near the steel footbridge with no sign of anyone nearby.
When Peggy was found, she was lethargic and extremely cold, and though she was stabilised and transferred to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital later that day, her serious and inoperable injuries led to her being put to sleep.
Her jaw appeared to have been prised open, leaving her tongue hanging out and the poor puppy suffering.
Peggy was not microchipped and it’s not known if her injuries happened as a result of the fall, or if they occurred beforehand.
Labrador puppy Peggy dies after being ‘deliberately thrown’ into Greater Manchester marina. Credit: RSPCA
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Kate Sargent, who is investigating, said: “Everyone who has been involved in this terrible incident has been left feeling shocked and saddened by what happened to Peggy.
“It’s hard to understand how anyone could do something like this to such a young dog. We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to the kind people who got her out of the water and sought help, and to the veterinary teams who saw her.
“We’d appeal to anyone who recognises Peggy or who was at the marina at the time to get in touch so we can progress this investigation further. We are also asking nearby businesses and homes in the surrounding area to check their CCTV and video doorbells.”
Anyone with first-hand information is urged to contact the RSPCA’s appeals line, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 01467665.
NHS slam ‘unacceptable’ rise in physical violence and sexual assault towards frontline staff
Emily Sergeant
Frontline NHS staff are facing a rise in physical violence, inappropriate sexual behaviour, and discrimination at the hands of members of the public.
According to the shocking revelations from the latest annual NHS staff survey published last week, around one in seven NHS staff (14.38%) experienced some from of physical violence directed at them from patients, their relatives, or other members of the public in 2024.
The report revealed that the number of attacks on staff has increased by nearly 14% since 2023.
Staff experiencing discrimination at work reached also reached its highest level in five years, with more than half (54%) saying the discrimination they received from patients and the public was based on their ethnic background.
One in 12 (8.82%) NHS workers experienced unwanted sexual behaviour in 2024, which included offensive comments, touching, and even assault.
Frontline NHS staff are facing a rise in physical violence at the hands of the public / Credit: Stephen Andrews (via Unsplash)
On top of these findings from the staff survey, the national education and training survey – which was also published last week, and seeks to hear the thoughts and experiences of those currently training within the medical field – found that 13% of learners said they experienced or witnessed forms of ‘unwanted, harmful, or inappropriate’ sexual behaviour by patients.
A whopping 744,358 NHS staff members took part in the 2024 survey, which is the highest ever level in staff in its 20-year history.
The survey gives a snapshot of what it’s like to work in the NHS, right from the beginning of a career, throughout their working lives, and into retirement, and are used by NHS organisations to ‘make things better’ for staff and patients.
They’re also being subjected to inappropriate sexual behaviour and discrimination / Credit: rawpixel
“It’s totally unacceptable that NHS staff are facing physical violence, sexual assault, and discrimination from patients and the public while at work,” commented Dr Navina Evans, who is the Chief Workforce, Training and Education Officer for NHS England, as the survey findings were published.
“We know that the most important way to stamp out incidents of unacceptable behaviour is to give people the confidence to report it, and it is important that the voice of every member of NHS staff is heard through these surveys and acted upon.
“The NHS sexual safety charter has also now been adopted by every integrated care board and NHS trust in England to enforce a zero-tolerance approach to letting unwanted behaviours go unaddressed”.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd August 2022 
