Man died 'protecting others'

Sean Edwards was stabbed after getting involved in a fight

The family of a man who was stabbed to death in Manchester say he died trying to protect others.

Sean Edwards' family have appealed for help catching his killer after he was knifed in the chest on 6 August in Highgate Crescent, Longsight.

The 21-year-old had been on his way back to his home in Glenside Avenue from the local shop when he intervened in a fight.

He was attacked at about 1945 BST and died from his injuries at Manchester Royal Infirmary 45 minutes later.

His attacker fled the scene in a white Vauxhall car, which was recovered in the early hours of the following morning in Bury.

Mr Edwards' family described him as a former "tearaway" who had settled down after getting engaged and working as a security guard.

They added: "He was the sort of person who would do anything for anyone and we believe it was his nature to defend and protect others that got him involved in the incident which led to his death last week.

If anyone can help catch the man who did this, please call the police, if you're hiding him or protecting him, he stole our Sean and deserves to be punished Sean Edwards' family

"He had lived in the area all his life and everyone thought the world of him.

"He had been seeing [his fiancée] Victoria for about 12 months and the kids all already called him Dad.

"We just can't believe someone could do this to him. He had so much to live for and so many plans for the future. They've all been snatched away.

"If anyone can help catch the man who did this, please call the police.

"If you're hiding him or protecting him, he stole our Sean and deserves to be punished."

'Terrible tragedy'

Detective Superintendent Vincent Petrykowski, of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said officers believed Mr Edwards' killer was in hiding.

He said: "This was a terrible tragedy, it would appear that Sean has simply tried to remonstrate with the wrong person and they've stabbed him to death.

"Sean was a hard-working family man who, after a long day at work, was killed in the street near his home.

"It appears he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and paid for that with his life."

A 39-year-old man who was arrested in connection with Mr Edwards' death was released without charge.

Anyone with information is urged to contact GMP or Crimestoppers.