Kennie Carter: Sixth teenager arrested after 16-year-old stabbed to death in Manchester

23 January 2022, 11:22 | Updated: 24 January 2022, 21:29

A sixth teenager has been arrested after the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Kennie Carter in Stretford, Manchester, on Saturday night.

Officers were called by the ambulance service shortly before 7pm on Saturday to Thirlmere Avenue following a report of a teenage boy in a serious condition with stab injuries.

The teenager was taken to hospital where he died.

Four teenagers were arrested by police, and a fifth handed himself into a police station on Sunday.

Later on Sunday a sixth teenager, 14, was arrested in Stretford.

All six remain detained in separate custody sites across Greater Manchester.

Friends and family have since paid tribute to "beautiful" Kennie Carter.

One social media user wrote: "You were everyone’s little brother and we will miss you bro."

Another, who was a close friend to the family, said: "Absolutely heartbroken. Thinking of the family at this sad time.

"Another life taken too soon. What a beautiful boy he was."

They added: "I grew up with his family, my family are very close with his, they are like family to me.

"That such a beautiful young soul has been taken far too soon at the age 16, he was such a quiet boy growing up wouldn’t do any harm to no one."

One Facebook user commented: "I am so sorry for your [Kennie's family's] loss, thinking about you all, and sending lots and lots of love."

Police issue statement after 16-year-old stabbed to death in Manchester

Detective Chief Inspector Alicia Smith, of the major incident team, said: "Kennie's tragic death has devastated his family and shocked a community, and our fast-paced investigation is working around the clock to ensure we establish who is responsible so that they can be brought to justice.

"We have spoken to a number of witnesses and currently have six teenagers in custody who continue to be questioned on suspicion of Kennie's murder.

"And there are others out there who may know something about this fatal attack that need to do the right thing and speak to us."

A police cordon was in place at the scene on Sunday and a forensic tent was put up close to Thirlmere Avenue on Coniston Road.

Superintendent Caroline Hemingway from GMP described the stabbing as a "horrendous act of violence."

She added: "Again we see the utterly devastating consequences of knife crime.

"It destroys families, communities and lives.

"It’s heartbreaking to see a young life lost in such tragic circumstances.

"We won’t relent in tackling this problem in our society."

Superintendent Hemingway appealed for "vital" information from the public, adding any information shared will be treated with "the strictest of confidence."