Stabbing victim named as 20-year-old Dylan Keelan as police increase stop and searches

Report by ITV Granada Report's correspondent Elaine Willcox

Tributes are being paid to 20-year-old Dylan Keelan, who died after being stabbed in Tameside.

Dylan died after being attacked on Cheetham Hill Road in Dukinfield at around 9.30pm on Friday 4 February.

A total of five teenage boys, two aged 16 and three aged 17, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police say four have been released under investigation, while one 17-year-old remains in police custody for questioning.

Detective Superintendent Chris Downey, from Greater Manchester Police's Violence Reduction Unit said often minor disputes turn fatal when knives are involved.

He said: "If the individuals involved in the attack on Dylan hadn't carried a knife then may be Dylan would still be here now.

"Whoever did this has ruined their own life, their mother and father's lives and that of their siblings. If a knife wasn't present, in often low level disputes we would avoid these tragedies."

Police at the scene of a fatal stabbing in Dukinfield Credit: MEN

Dylan's mum Nicole said: "Dylan, my son, was a lovely, hardworking, kind and respectful boy.

"He absolutely loved his family and close friends. Dylan will be missed dearly by everyone who had the pleasure to be around him.

"He will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart and part of my life. It is difficult to put into words at this moment as I am broken and distraught.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone for their support, kind words and donations.

"Finally, in Dylan's own words 'Always find a way to turn a negative into a positive', so let's all stay strong together."

Meanwhile, heartbroken friends have been paying tribute to Dylan on Facebook.

Keira Brown posted: "RIP Dylan Keelan. Such heartbreaking news! You were one of the most amazing people to walk this earth. Devastated."

Courtney Arrowsmith wrote: "Rip Dylan Keelan. Such a nice lad and so young. This world is cruel & the people living in it are worse. You didn’t deserve this."

Another wrote: "RIP Dylan Keelan, cruel, cruel world. Taken far too young."

Flowers at the scene of a fatal stabbing Dukinfield. Credit: MEN

It is the third fatal stabbing in Greater Manchester in three weekends.

Kennie Carter, 16, died after being stabbed in Stretford on the 22 January, while the body of 17-year-old Alan Szelugowski was found in Clowes Park in Salford on the 30 January.

In response, senior police officers have authorised increased stopping and searching this weekend in the following areas.

  • Manchester City Centre

  • Broughton and Cheetham Hill, North Manchester

  • Central Bolton

  • Failsworth and Lime Side, Oldham

  • Rochdale

  • Broughton, Broughton Park and Kersal, Salford

  • Central Stockport

  • Tameside

  • Stretford and Old Trafford, Trafford

  • Westleigh and Wigan Road areas of Leigh, Wigan

It gives police the right to search people without reasonable grounds in a defined area at a specific time.

GMP Gold Commander Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said: "We don't make these decisions lightly but we do so to prevent serious violence and the use of weapons, ultimately to keep people safe."Following the fatal stabbing in Tameside last night, we've identified hot spots across Greater Manchester and are communicating with colleagues in those areas to increase resources this weekend and in the coming days and weeks.

Police are appealing for witnesses to Dylan's murder.

Detective Inspector Lee Shaw, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "Our thoughts are with Dylan's loved ones - specialist colleagues are liaising with them.

"We have two suspects in custody but our investigation is very much ongoing so I appeal to anyone who can assist us in any way, shape or form to get in touch.

"Extra officers remain in the area to reassure the community whilst exercising their powers to carry out increased stops and searches under Section 60."