Tyson Fury makes emotional knife plea over cousin's death

Rico Burton died in hospital after he was stabbed in Greater Manchester

Boxer Tyson Fury has called on the government to introduce stronger punishments for knife crime after his cousin was killed in a stabbing.

The heavyweight champion said on social media "RIP Rico Burton", who was "stabbed in the neck" overnight.

Fury compared knife crime to a "pandemic", adding, "you don't know how bad it is until it's one of your own".

Mr Burton, 31, was attacked in Goose Green, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, police confirmed.

Two men have been arrested in connection with the incident, in which a 17-year-old also suffered serious injuries.

Supt Ben Ewart said one of the men, aged 21, was arrested at the scene and the other, aged 20, was arrested later. Both remain in police custody.

In an impassioned plea on social media earlier, Mr Fury wrote: "This is becoming ridiculous - idiots carry knives. This needs to stop."

The boxer demanded the government "bring back higher sentencing for knife crime".

He ended the post in tribute to his cousin: "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."

Tyson Fury said his cousin Rico Burton died after a stabbing

Supt Ewart, of Greater Manchester Police, said the emergency services had received multiple calls at about 03:00 BST on Sunday.

Arriving at the scene in a courtyard area, paramedics found the 17-year-old and Mr Burton with stab wounds and receiving first aid from members of the public.

He said both victims were taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary where Mr Burton later died.

"This is without doubt a senseless attack and both victims should have returned home this morning after enjoying a night out with friends," Supt Ewart said.

He added: "Goose Green is a popular nightspot and would have been busy at the time and I appeal for anyone who was there overnight on Saturday or anyone with information about this incident - including phone photograph footage or videos - to come forward, in particular any friends of any of the victims or suspects who may have been out with them that night who have not yet come forward.

Asked what police had been told about a possible argument, Supt Ewart said it was a "very live" investigation and that was "obviously a factor we're looking into".

Knife crimes rose by 10% to 49,027 offences in England and Wales during the year to March 2022, according to records.

Public concern about stabbings and firmer guidance for judges since 2015 have led to longer sentences, although offenders under 18 are still more likely to be cautioned than jailed.

Knife crime sentencing

A statue made of weapons confiscated by police - known as the Knife Angel - has been recently touring the country

• The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife or weapon illegally can be either four years in jail, an unlimited fine or both

• Those who are convicted of carrying a knife or weapon illegally more than once face an automatic prison sentence, which is a minimum of six months

• Teenagers aged 16 or 17 face a minimum four-month detention and training order

• The proportion of offenders who received immediate custodial sentences for knife and offensive weapon crimes was 29% in 2021, according to government data