A teenager who was murdered slipped as he tried to flee his killers, the Manchester Evening News has learned.
Rhamero West - known as 'Mero' - and three friends were in a blue BMW being pursued in a high-speed chase by a second vehicle.
As they tried to shake off the other vehicle, their car crashed and the four ran.
READ MORE: Teenager at centre of murder investigation after being killed following high-speed chase named
But as Rhamero fled, he slipped and was caught by two unknown people, who attacked him.
Rhamero was slashed and stabbed in both legs with a machete and knife.
He was found in Norton Street, Old Trafford, just before 6pm last night (Thursday).
Police are still trying to establish a motive for the attack. They believe all those involved are aged 16 to 19.
They are still trying to trace those who were in the BMW with Rhamero.
Detectives believe the murder was preceded by a car chase through peak-hour traffic.
It is thought the pursuit started in Moss Side.
The blue BMW Rhamero was in was involved in a crash in Upper Chorlton Road, Old Trafford, during the chase.
A pedestrian was hit by a car in Cross Street. Their injuries are not believed to be serious.
No arrests have been made.
Detective Superintendent Danny Inglis of GMP's Serious Crime Division, said last night: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victim's family at this incredibly sad time, they are being supported by our specialist officers.
"This is an horrific incident, where a young man has tragically lost his life, and we are following a number of lines of inquiry to establish exactly what has happened, and to bring those responsible to justice.
"We know this happened at a time of day when people would still be out and about or returning home, and we're keen to hear from anyone who may have information that could help our investigation, no matter how small it may seem."
A spokeswoman for Manchester Coroners' Court confirmed a file relating to Rhamero's death had been received.
Tributes are being paid to the teenager.
Tanya Cheetham told the Manchester Evening News her three children went to Wilbraham Primary School in Fallowfield with Rhamero.
She said he was 'popular' and 'amazing at sports'.
"He was a great kid," she said.
"Really funny and always had us in stitches. My kids adored him, as did I.
"The best memories I have of him are always beating all of the kids on sports day at anything he took part in - and his smile was so bright and beautiful. He was always smiling.
"He was kind, loving and everybody liked him."
Flowers were left on Norton Street on Friday afternoon.
One tribute read: "Heartbroken and lost for words.
"Mero, you will be dearly missed."
Another friend, who grew up with Rhamero described him as 'lovely, always happy and always smiling'.
Four cordons were in place overnight.
One covered a large section of Princess Street and a small section of Great Western Street in Moss Side, where cops were trying to establish where the chase started.
Another cordon was up on Norton Street in Old Trafford, where Rhamero was found badly injured.
A third was erected nearby on Upper Chorlton Road, where a blue BMW was recovered after appearing to have crashed; and a fourth was seen on Cross Street, where somebody was hit by a car a short time later.
Forensic officers are combing each scene for evidence.
Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for further comment.
Anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV footage is asked to call 101 quoting log number 2613, September 9; or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
