The devastated mother of a young man stabbed to death in a fight outside a pub in Failsworth has paid tribute to her son.
Joe O'Brien was rushed to hospital with serious knife wounds following the large-scale brawl outside the Royal Oak Hotel in the early hours of Sunday.
Doctors fought to save him, but the 24-year-old tragically died.
Joe, who lived in Blackley, has been described as a 'kind and generous' young man.
Paying tribute after two people were arrested, his mum Roz McDonald, said: "Joe was a much loved son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew and friend to many.
"He was hard working and had a great sense of humour. He was kind and generous, both with his time and with his money.
"His friends, his family and Manchester United were his life.
"Joe worked as a barrister's clerk at Deans Court Chambers in Manchester and he loved this job.
"The majority of Joe's time was spent either with his friends, or caring for his mother, who he always put first."
Joe's death once again sparked hundreds of comments about the scourge of knife crime, both in Greater Manchester and nationally.
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Many said 'enough is enough'.
One of Joe's best friends Cal Robinson told the Manchester Evening News : "These crimes are happening more and more every day.
"When will this stop? When will justice be served on those who carry knives?
"I loved Joe [like] a brother. The person who did this does not realise they have not just taken one person's life away.
"Joe's family and friends will suffer for the rest of their lives."
Police were called to the scene on Oldham Road at around 3am.
They discovered three men aged 24, 23 and 21 had been injured - two of whom had been stabbed.
The 21-year-old man was also taken to hospital with knife wounds and remains undergoing treatment.
His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
A 22-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Both remain in custody for questioning.
Police are continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed what happened to come forward.
Det Chief Insp Cheryl Chatterton from GMP’s Major Incident Team said: "We are deeply saddened by Joe’s death and we are determined to find answers for his family, who are being cared for by specialist officers at this dreadful time.
"While we have made arrests, it is absolutely essential that anyone with information comes forward to the police as soon as possible.
"Were you in the Failsworth area early on Sunday morning? Did you witness the altercation or have any information that can assist us?
"If so, please contact officers immediately. Even the smallest piece of information can assist our lines of enquiry and help solve cases such as these."
Information can be left with police by calling 0161 856 9908 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
