Police launch Bury town centre operation in wake of fatal stabbing of 'loving, caring' teenager

Police in Bury have launched a new targeted operation aimed at reducing violence in the borough following the fatal stabbing of a teenager earlier this month.

Officers were called to Market Street in Bury town centre on March 11 following reports of a stabbing. An 18-year-old man was rushed to hospital in a serious condition and it was later confirmed that he had died.

Abdikarim Abdalla Ahmed was later formally identified as the victim of the tragic incident. Known as Abdi to friends and family, his heartbroken mother described him as 'a loving, caring person who helped and looked after his family from a young age'.

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In an emotional statement, issued by Greater Manchester Police, she said: "My beautiful boy Abdi passed away far too young and with his whole life ahead of him. He was taken from us too soon, and in the worst possible way.”

Four people have been arrested in connection with Abdi’s murder to date, with a police investigation continuing. Officers have now launched Operation Heartbeat - a multi-agency response which will see neighbourhood officers work closely with Bury Council.

The operation will increase the number of high-visibility specialist officers in the town centre over the next few weeks. GMP said officers will engage with members of the public ‘to provide reassurance and address any concerns or worries they may have’.

There will also be a particular focus on youth engagement and local authority youth services have already been conducting youth outreach work in and around Bury Town centre. Knife crime awareness events will also be taking place at local colleges and schools.

Chief Superintendent Chris Hill, of