Man and teenager held after 24-year-old stabbed to death outside pub in Greater Manchester

A man and teenager have been arrested after a 24-year-old barrister's clerk was stabbed to death in a brawl outside a pub.

Joe O'Brien from Blackley, Manchester, died after suffering stab wounds outside the Royal Oak Hotel pub in Failsworth, Greater Manchester, at about 3am on Sunday.

A 22-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

They remain in custody for questioning.

Two other men, aged 21 and 23, were injured in the fight.

The 21-year-old was taken to hospital where he is being treated for stab wounds that are not believed to be life threatening, a Greater Manchester Police spokesman said.

Mr O'Brien's mother Roz McDonald said in a statement: "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 barristers' 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."

Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Chatterton 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."

:: Anyone with Information can call police on 0161 856 9908 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.