Teenager charged with murder of Manchester student Luke O’Connor

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A teenager has been charged with the murder of Luke O’Connor, a student who was stabbed to death in Manchester this week.

Shiloh George Pottinger, 19, of the Fallowfield area of the city, is also accused of possession of a bladed article. He was arrested on Friday night.

Mr O’Connor, a second-year business management student at Manchester Metropolitan University, was stabbed to death on Wednesday as he made his way home from a party.

He was attacked on Wilmslow Road in Fallowfield, which has a large student population, and died in hospital.

Superintendent Helen Critchley, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Our detectives have been in liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service who have authorised us this afternoon to charge a suspect with Luke’s murder, which is a significant moment in this case for all concerned.

“Luke and his family remain at the front and centre of our investigation and my thoughts are with them this evening at the end of what will have been the most devastating week of their lives.

“We’ve also felt the shock and hurt in our large student community in Fallowfield, and we are continuing to listen and address the concerns that people have spoken to us about this week.”

Mr O’Connor’s family have said he was “truly one of a kind” and his “presence would light up any room”.

In a statement on Thursday, they added: “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.

“He loved the freedom of student living and studying and was loving life in Manchester.

“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.”

Mr Pottinger has been remanded in custody and will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Police asked anyone with information that could help their investigation to call 0161 856 6777 quoting incident 240 of 26/10/2022.