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‘Broken and distraught’ mother pays tribute after son is stabbed to death

Dylan Keelan, 20, was pronounced dead after an incident in Dukinfield, Tameside, on Friday.

Ted Hennessey
Sunday 06 February 2022 18:12 GMT
Dylan Keelan died after an incident in Dukinfield, Tameside, on Friday evening (PA)
Dylan Keelan died after an incident in Dukinfield, Tameside, on Friday evening (PA) (PA Wire)

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A “broken and distraught” mother of a 20-year-old man stabbed to death in a town near Manchester has paid tribute to her “lovely” son.

At 9.30pm on Friday, Greater Manchester Police were called by the ambulance service responding to a report of a stabbing on Cheetham Hill Road, Dukinfield, in Tameside

Dylan Keelan, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene, and four boys, two aged 16 and two aged 17, were arrested on suspicion of murder.

His mother mum, Nicola, said: “Dylan, my son, was a lovely, hardworking, kind and respectful boy.

“He absolutely loved his family and close friends. Dylan will be missed dearly by everyone who had the pleasure to be around him.

“He will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart and part of my life. It is difficult to put into words at this moment as I am broken and distraught.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone for their support, kind words and donations.

“Finally, in Dylan’s own words, ‘Always find a way to turn a negative into a positive’, so let’s all stay strong together.”

GMP said two of the boys arrested remain in custody for questioning, while the others were released under investigation.

Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information or dashcam footage from the surrounding area at around the time of the incident is asked to contact police.

Detective Inspector Lee Shaw, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Our thoughts are with Dylan’s loved ones, specialist colleagues are liaising with them.

“We have two suspects in custody but our investigation is very much ongoing so I appeal to anyone who can assist us in any way, shape or form to get in touch.

“Extra officers remain in the area to reassure the community whilst exercising their powers to carry out increased stops and searches under Section 60.”

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