Boy, 16, killed in stabbing named

The teenager, one of two boys stabbed outside Ashy's takeaway restaurant in Plodder Lane, Farnworth, at about 2250 BST on Friday, was stabbed in the neck.

The other boy, who is also 16 but has not been named, is in a serious condition in Rochdale Infirmary.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and assault and remains in custody for questioning.

Andrew, of Trentham Gardens, Farnworth, was found collapsed and bleeding outside the takeaway.

Both boys were taken to Royal Bolton Hospital where Andrew later died.

A post-mortem examination revealed he suffered a single stab wound to the neck which also punctured his chest.

'Verbal altercation'

It is thought that one of the boys involved in the row was a customer at the takeaway.

However, police do not believe that anyone involved in the attack was an employee.

Officers have launched a murder investigation and are carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Andrew's uncle Mark said: "We are completely and utterly devastated. What has happened has come as a complete shock."

Andrew was a fan of Bolton Wanderers and wanted to join the Army, he said.

"We can't believe how supportive people have been, kids leaving messages on the internet and flowers at the scene.

"It's really touching to know he had so many friends," he added.

Detective Superintendent Ian Foster said: "We believe there was a group, somewhere between three and five local youths, aged between 16 and 17, and an individual who was visiting the takeaway.

"There was some sort of verbal altercation which escalated into some physical assault.

"We are still trying to find out exactly what's gone on. We've got a number of potential witnesses we're interviewing."

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the attack to contact them.

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