Mourners gather to bid farewell to Tyson Fury’s cousin after Rico Burton, 31, stabbed to death

MOURNERS have today gathered to bid farewell to Tyson Fury's cousin after he was stabbed to death.

Crowds followed a horse-drawn carriage and other trailers with floral messages for Rico Burton, 31, including one spelling his name and another calling him "BOYO".

Mr Burton was fatally stabbed outside a bar on Goose Green in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of August 21. 

Tributes poured in for Mr Burton after his death, led by the boxer's heavyweight champ cousin Tyson Fury. 

In his tribute, the boxing champ said: "Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quick. Enjoy every moment."

The two-time world heavyweight champion, from Wythenshawe, also called for an end to knife crime in a post on his social media channels following his cousin's tragic death.

Today, Mr Burton's family and friends bid him an emotional goodbye during a service at St Michael's Church in Urmston.

Pictures showed mourners arriving for the service earlier on carriages and trailers. One was being pulled by a horse.

One trailer carried a huge, white floral arrangement, while another carried flowers that spelt out his name. Dozens are expected to turn out to pay their respects to Mr Burton at the service.

Speaking after Mr Burton's death, Shaun Egan, who previously coached Mr Burton at Jimmy Egan's Boxing Academy, described him as "such a nice lad".

Mr Egan said: "He was an absolute talent. He was such a nice lad, he was hard-working and had a great sense of humour.

"What's happened is just awful. He was just a great guy. To hear he has died like this is devastating."

Liam O'Prey, 21, of no fixed address, has been charged with his murder and a string of other offences.

Mr O'Prey appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Friday charged with Mr Burton's murder. He faces four counts relating to the same incident.

Mr O'Prey is accused of murder; unlawful wounding with intention to cause grievous bodily harm; possession of a bladed article; namely a knife; and possession of cocaine. 

He could go on trial at the beginning of next year and has been remanded into custody. 

A 17-year-old was also seriously wounded in the incident and was given life-saving treatment at the scene, police said.