Boxing champion Tyson Fury calls for end to knife crime after cousin Rico Burton 'stabbed to death'

Tyson Fury has called for an end to knife crime after announcing the death of his cousin Rico Burton, who died after suffering a stab wound to the neck.

In a post on social media, the heavyweight boxing champion said his cousin was “stabbed in the neck” and called on the Government to “bring higher sentencing for knife crime”.

Writing on Instagram, Fury said: “My cousin was murdered last night, stabbed in the neck this is becoming ridiculous … idiots carry knives. This needs to stop.”

Fury added: “Asap, UK government needs to bring higher sentencing for knife crime, it’s a pandemic & you don’t know how bad it is until [it’s] 1 of your own!

“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 heven [sic]. see you soon.”

The Manchester Evening News (MEN) reported that Mr Burton had died in the early hours of Sunday morning following an incident in Altrincham and Greater Manchester Police had launched a murder investigation.

The MEN reported that a 17-year-old boy had suffered serious injuries in the same incident at around 3.30am in Railway Street in the Goose Green area of Altrincham, Trafford.

A 21-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of section 18 assault and remained in custody, the MEN said.

Greater Manchester Police said two males had been arrested in connection with the murder of a 31-year-old man at Goose Green, Altrincham, on Sunday.