Tyson Fury calls for action on knife crime after cousin stabbed to death | UK news

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Tyson Fury has urged ministers to take action in tackling knife crime after he revealed that his cousin Rico Burton was stabbed to death on Saturday night.

Rico Burton, 31, died after an attack outside a bar in Goose Green, Altrincham, in Greater Manchester at 3am on Sunday morning. A 17-year-old man was also attacked and remains in hospital with serious injuries.

Police have launched a murder inquiry into the incident, which occurred just hours after the world heavyweight boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a section 18 assault and remains in custody. Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

In a post on the social media site on Sunday morning, heavyweight champion Fury wrote: “My cousin was murdered last night, stabbed in the neck. 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!

He concluded: “Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quick enjoy every moment. RIP RICO BURTON. May the lord god grant you a good place in heaven. See you soon.”

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Fury included an image reading “Stop knife crime”, and ended the emotional post with a hashtag saying “only cowards carry weapons”.

Incidents of knife crime rose by 10% to 49,027 offences in England and Wales during the year to March 2022, recent crime statistics show.

Tyson, 34, grew up in Wythenshawe, Manchester, and is a two-time world heavyweight champion, having held the WBC title since defeating Deontay Wilder in 2020, and the Ring magazine title from 2020 to August 2022.

A Greater Manchester police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 3am this morning, police were called to reports of two males having been stabbed outside a bar on Goose Green, Altrincham. Emergency services attended the scene. Two men were rushed to hospital with serious and life changing injuries.

“A 31-year-old male sadly passed away a short time later in hospital. A 17-year-old male also remains in hospital with serious injuries. A 21-year-old male was arrested at the scene on suspicion of section 18 assault and remains in custody.

“A murder investigation has been launched and we would like to appeal to members of the public who have any further information regarding this incident.”

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