Tributes paid to ‘gentle giant’ student killed in Fallowfield stabbing

The heartbroken family of the student fatally stabbed in Fallowfield have paid tribute to their ‘bubbly, lively, beautiful boy’.

Luke O’Connor, from Bedford, was walking home from a party in the early hours on Wednesday (October 26th) when he was attacked with a knife down Wilmslow Road.

The nineteen-year-old later died from his injuries in hospital.

Luke was studying Business Management at Manchester Metropolitan University, and had ‘loved the freedom of student living and studying and was loving life in Manchester’, according to his family. 

Paying tribute to Luke, his family said in a statement released by GMP: “Our hearts yearn for the loss of Luke; we are truly devastated by this tragedy. Luke was loved by so many people, and he knew how much he was loved in return.

“Luke was the youngest of three boys in our family and was a gentle giant with big hopes and dreams for the future. His biggest dream was to travel the world, but now Luke will never be able to fulfil that dream.

“Luke loved music, football and was a big supporter of Liverpool Football Club, who he followed religiously from a young age.

“He had a profound impact on so many people throughout his life. He was truly one of a kind, who’s presence would light up any room.”

They added that Luke had been ‘adored’ by his friends, who often called him a ‘Legend’ and ‘the life and soul’ of everything he did. 

The statement concluded: “Our lively, bubbly, beautiful boy has been taken from us and our family are now left with a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.

“Justice needs to be served as we have lost our beautiful young Luke, who was robbed of life. We will continue to honour his name for as long as we are all here, and his legacy with go on forever.”

GMP has since launched a murder inquiry into Luke’s death, which is ‘in its early stages’ but has officers working ‘around the clock’ to track down the perpetrator. 

Detective Superintendent Neil Jones of Greater Manchester Police South Manchester Division said in a statement: “This was a terrible crime which has robbed a young man of his life and my thoughts are with his family at this devastating time.

“The investigation is in its early stages, but I can assure you that our officers are working round the clock and carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.

“We are actively pursuing leads and will relentlessly pursue the offender to ensure they are brought to justice.”

Anyone with any information should contact GMP by calling 101 quoting Log 240 of 26/10/22. Alternatively, you can report information via www.gmp.police.uk.

Members of the public can also upload any information including photos, videos and CCTV via GMP’s Major Incident Public Portal here.

Additionally, information can be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.