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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Police search for man who threw punch at Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith boxing match
Daisy Jackson
Police are searching for man who threw his own punch at the AO Arena after Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith boxing match.
The man in question is believed to have vaulted over a barrier inside the arena just as the match itself came to an end.
He then punched a man sat behind him in the face, before making off on foot.
He left two women and a man he was with behind.
Police are now appealing to witnesses of the assault on Saturday 21 January 2023 to come forward with any information.
#APPEAL | Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault at the AO Arena on Saturday 21 January 2023 after the Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith boxing match.
If you know this man (pictured) please contact GMP on 101, quoting reference number INC/0075491/23. pic.twitter.com/vr6zsUI6ri
CCTV images of the suspect have been released by GMP.
They said in a statement: “Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault at the AO Arena on Saturday 21 January 2023 after the Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith boxing match.
“It is reported that then man (pictured) vaulted over a barrier inside the arena just as the boxing match finished, and struck a man sat behind him in the face.
“The offender then made off on foot, leaving two women and a man he was with, behind.
“Officers believe that the suspect is possibly from the Merseyside area. If you know the man or have any information relating to the crime, please contact GMP on 101, quoting reference number INC/0075491/23.
“Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.”
Featured image: GMP
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Salford police officer sacked for ‘depraved’ relationship with vulnerable woman
Daisy Jackson
A police officer has been sacked after carrying out an ‘improper relationship’ with a crime victim.
Paul Banks, who worked as a PC in Salford, has been dismissed and barred after a Gross Misconduct Hearing on 24 and 25 January 2023.
In the hearing, a panel heard how Banks had advised a vulnerable woman to create an email account – which he then accessed to view images and videos, some of which were explicit, that she had uploaded.
He viewed the content more than 200 times and never reported them to his manager or the force’s Professional Standards Branch.
In the end, his own colleagues sensed that something was amiss and raised the alarm.
GMP has now slammed Banks’s ‘depraved behaviour’ and stressed that ‘there will never be a place in GMP for anybody who behaves like him’.
A statement also said that he ‘abused his position of trust’.
Detective Chief Superintendent Michael Allen, head of GMP’s Professional Standards Branch, said: “Banks knew full well that his conduct was egregiously wrong.
“By cultivating an improper relationship with a vulnerable member of the public who he met in the course of his policing duties, the officer has been deservedly sacked from GMP.
“Not only has he disgraced himself, but his depraved behaviour dishonours policing and undermines the principled endeavours of his colleagues, who everyday do a valiant job catching criminals and protecting our communities.
“Indeed, it was Banks’ own colleagues who sensed something was amiss and triggered the first step in a process that rooted him out.
“The prudence of his colleagues is to be commended and I am grateful to the IOPC for conducting an investigation that left no stone unturned.
#SACKED I A police officer has been dismissed and placed on the College of Policing Barred List for carrying out an ‘improper relationship’ with a vulnerable woman. Paul Banks, who worked as a PC in Salford, appeared at a disciplinary hearing. More here – https://t.co/NUQ0aEEa8Opic.twitter.com/LWzTYQpb55
“No decent member of the police service wants to work with the likes of Banks and there will never be a place in GMP for anybody who behaves like him.
“He abused his position of trust and for that the Office of Constable has been rightly stripped from him.
“GMP is a better force without Banks and we will recruit a new officer into his post who will discharge their duties with honour and espouse the professional and compassionate values of the GMP workforce.”
Banks, who had been on restricted since the investigation began in December 2020, was dismissed without notice.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd August 2022 
