The family of a man who was killed in a brutal attack has opened on the devastating loss of their loved one, paying tribute to the 'cheeky chap' who was "loved by everyone".
Scott Anderton, 33, was stabbed several times before being pushed into a canal, in a horrific attack that has seen three teenage suspects questioned by police in a chilling murder probe.
The body of the murder victim was discovered on Thursday by police in Leigh, near Manchester, with officers subsequently identifying Scott before notifying his family.
On Saturday evening, police revealed that detectives had obtained a 36-hour custody extension so they can continue to question three people aged, 16, 17, and 18 suspected of being involved in the tragic incident, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Officers say enquiries into the murder remain ongoing, with it since being confirmed that Scott, whose body was recovered from the Leeds and Liverpool canal, died after "suffering multiple stab wounds and blunt trauma injuries".
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "Three teenagers being held by police on suspicion of murdering a man from Leigh have had their time in custody extended.
"Three males – aged 16, 17, and 18 – were arrested on Friday 26 March and will remain in custody for an additional 36 hours after an application was accepted at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court earlier today (Saturday 27 March).
"A murder investigation was launched by detectives from GMP’s Major Incident Team (MIT) after the body of a man was sadly recovered by emergency services from the Leeds and Liverpool canal on the morning of Thursday 25 March.
"The man has since been confirmed to be that of 33-year-old Scott Anderton from Leigh. His next of kin has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers."
As the tragedy continues to unfold, family members have begun to pay tribute to their beloved grandson, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend.
Speaking on behalf of her family, Scott’s sister, Nicola Anderton, said: “We understand how much love everyone had for our Scott.
“He had a lot of friends and people that liked him and had lots of happy times and memories with him.
“As I'm sure you can all imagine, our family are still struggling to come to term with the loss of ‘our kid’. At present, we are all broken!”
"In time we as a family will organise a gathering for everyone to attend and remember him for the happy and cheeky chap we all love so dearly," added Nicola.
"We hope you will all come and celebrate his life and share some of your treasured memories with us all! Details on time and place will be given.
"We hope everyone understands and we can't thank you all enough for the continuous support you share."
Police were alerted at about 7am on Thursday, March 25, to a report of a body in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal near King Street, Leigh.
A body, now identified as Scott, was recovered from the water.
A 21-year-old man initially arrested on suspicion of murder has since been released with no further action being taken.
Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “First and foremost our thoughts remain firmly with the family of the man who very tragically lost his life and we currently have specialist officers providing support to them.
“We currently have three people in custody for questioning but I would stress that our investigation is continuing at pace to ensure we are able to provide his family with the answers they deserve.
“We will continue to have an increased police presence in the area and encourage anyone with any worries or concerns to speak with officers.
"We’re also continuing to appeal to anyone who has any information, or was in the area on Wednesday night or Thursday morning to make contact with police as a matter of urgency.
"Any information, no matter how big or small, could be crucial to the investigation.”
A local resident has described the heavy emergency service presence as "frightening".
She said: "It’s a shock that all the police are here this morning, it’s a bit frightening when it’s right outside your door.
"But I suppose these things happen, whatever has gone on is probably really sad."
