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

Tyson Fury has urged ministers to take action in tackling knife crime after he revealed that his cousin Rico Burton was stabbed to death in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Burton, 31, died after an attack outside a bar in Goose Green, Altrincham, in Greater Manchester at 3am. 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 assault and remains in custody. A short while later, a 20-year-old man was also arrested and he too remains in custody. Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward – including those with phone footage from the night.

In a post on social media 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 added: “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.”

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

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

Fury, 34,