Christopher Linton: Mum's plea over son who died 15 years after attack

Christopher Linton was stabbed in the neck in October 2008 and died in 2023 from medical complications

The mother of a man who died more than 15 years after he was attacked in a stabbing has put out a fresh plea for information.

Christopher Linton was wounded in the neck after leaving a pub in Bury, Greater Manchester, in October 2008.

He died aged 40 in May 2023 from medical complications believed to be linked to the assault, police said.

There were two arrests at the time but no charges. Mr Linton's mother appealed for "some closure from the grief".

Tracey McLeod said her son, who worked as an RAC inspector, was "kind-hearted and always put others before himself".

"Chris had a son he loved so very much but now his son has lost his father," she said.

She said the pain remained with his family "all day and night and it doesn't go away".

"I am pleading as a mother for help from the public. Please help us as a family get some closure from the grief we are going through."

'Unprovoked attack'

Greater Manchester Police launched a murder investigation following Mr Linton's death and are also appealing for information.

He was attacked in the early hours of Saturday 4 October 2008 after leaving the Derby Arms Pub in Bolton Street, the force said.

He spoke to two women near the Blockbuster video store and Raja's Indian Takeaway who then got into a black car with two men.

Police said Mr Linton was stabbed by a man as he continued to speak to the women.

He suffered life-threatening injuries but managed to make his way back to the pub to get help.

Mr Linton was given first aid and taken to hospital where he was given life-saving treatment.

Det Insp Alex Wilkinson said: "Chris was an innocent victim of an unprovoked and terrible attack.

"Despite the passage of time, the investigation team remains determined to identify the person or persons responsible and bring them to justice."