Teenager is charged with murder of student Luke
A TEENAGER has been charged with the murder of student Luke O’Connor.
Shiloh George Pottinger, 19, was due to appear at Manchester magistrates court today accused of killing the 19-year-old business management student.
Mr Pottinger, from Fallowfield, has also been with possessing a knife.
Manchester Metroplitan University student Luke was stabbed on Wilmslow Road as he returned home from a party in the early hours of last Wednesday.
Police attended the scene at around 2am. They gave the teenager, originally from Bedfordshire, CPR before he was taken to hospital, where he later died.
Supt Helen Critchley said: “Our detectives have been in liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service who have authorised us this afternoon to charge a suspect with Luke’s murder, which is a significant moment in this case for all concerned.
“Luke and his family remain at the front-and-centre of our investigation and my thoughts are with them this evening at the end of what will have been the most devastating week of their lives. We’ve also felt the shock and hurt in our large student community in Fallowfield, and we are continuing to listen and address the concerns that people have spoken to us about this week.
I’d like to remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and nothing should be posted online that could jeopardise the defendant’s right to a free trial, therefore it’s really important people refrain from speculation or commentary on social media throughout the hearing of the case.”
Luke’s family paid tribute to him earlier this week, describing him as a ‘gentle giant’ who was ‘loving life’ in Manchester. They said: “Our hearts yearn for the loss of Luke; we are truly devastated by this tragedy. Luke was loved by so many people, and he knew how much he was loved in return.”
Extra officers have been patrolling Fallowfield following Luke’s death.
Police continue to appeal for information. Call 0161 856 6777, quoting incident 240 of October 26.