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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The Council is giving Mancs £2,500 to move into a ‘more manageable’ home
Emily Sergeant
The Council is now offering financial help to support people moving into a smaller and ‘more manageable’ property.
Ever heard of ‘rightsizing? Well, according Manchester City Council it’s a process where a tenant in a larger social rent, Council, or Housing Association property, that may have more rooms than they need or perhaps are struggling to manage a big house as they get older, can be supported into a smaller property that better suits their needs.
The benefits of this process include cheaper bills, lower rents, and overall, just homes that are easier to clean and manage.
The aim of it is also to free up larger Council properties for families who are on the housing register – of which there are said to be around 20,000 of them currently at this time, with larger homes having some of the most significant wait times.
Are you struggling to look after a big Council or housing association home? We can help!
We are offering £2,500 to help people move into a smaller more manageable home, freeing up larger homes for families that need them.
It’s also estimated, according to the Council, that a third of all social rented family homes are thought to ‘underoccupied’.
This is why financial support and grants are now being offered.
Last year alone, 109 households were helped to ‘rightsize’ and were supported in the process by a dedicated team of Council officers, as well as benefitting from the Rightsizing Incentive Scheme – with a further 432 households having expressed interest doing so in the future.
Residents interested in ‘rightsizing’ could get a cash incentive of £2,500, which can be spent on anything they like, along with moving costs.
The Council is giving Mancs £2,500 to move into a ‘more manageable’ home / Credit: Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)
“Rightsizing could be a brilliant option for older people who are renting a Council home who may have spare rooms they don’t need or would benefit from looking after a smaller property,” explained Cllr Gavin White, who is Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Development.
“Often a barrier to moving is the cost, but the Council will take care of the financial burden to help a resident move into a new home.
“The benefit for the city is that we can free up more larger homes for people who are waiting for a property that properly meets their needs. We think around a third of Council tenants could be under occupying their home, which means they could be paying more than they need to or they could be hit with the bedroom tax.”
Does this sound like you? Are you ready to ‘rightsize’? Find out more and begin the process via Manchester City Council’s website here.
Featured Image – Vitaly Gariev (via Unsplash)
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Trailer released for Netflix’s new Lucy Letby documentary with ‘unprecedented access’
Emily Sergeant
The trailer for Netflix’s new documentary about the investigation of Lucy Letby has been released.
The feature-length film about Lucy Letby – the infamous neonatal nurse who was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others under her care at the Countess of Chester Hospital – hears for the first time from the police officers who investigated the case that shook the nation.
It features never-before-seen footage of Letby during her arrests and police questioning, and even includes interviews with experts and lawyers on both sides, as well as with the hospital consultants who initially raised the alarm.
Tragically, it also includes an anonymised interview with a mother of one of the victims, who also speaks for the first time about her experience and involvement in Letby’s trial.
Produced as a result of years of research and relationship-building, the film – simply titled The Investigation of Lucy Letby – is described as being the most ‘comprehensive’ look at one of Britain’s most notorious crimes, and traces developments from her arrest to trial in chronological order.
Viewers will be given ‘unparalleled and exclusive access’ to those central to the story.
“This was an exceptional and demanding project, marked by significant creative and ethical responsibility,” commented director, Dominic Sivyer. “Our aim was to craft a powerful, emotionally resonant depiction of the events surrounding the case.”
Caroline Short, Head of Global TV at ITN Productions – who produced the documentary – added: “The access to all our contributors came with a huge responsibility to present everyone’s perspectives with care and understanding.
“We are grateful to all those people who trusted us to tell their story.”
Emily Sergeant -
22nd August 2022 
