POLICE have arrested two teenage boys on suspicion of murder as Reece Tansey's heartbroken family paid tribute to a 'loving guy'.

Reece died after being stabbed in the early hours of Tuesday with police called to Walker Avenue, in Great Lever, at around 4.43am.

Police have described it as an isolated attack but need the community to come forward with information following the tragedy.

Family member, Jordan Coghiel, paid tribute an emotional tribute to Reece.

He said: “We are all broken at the moment. He was such a loving guy who spent most of his time at home or with his grandparents.

“I do think this could have been prevented. Reece was never in any gangs, this shouldn’t have happened to him."

“His mum’s head is all over the place at the moment. He had a little brother too, all the family were really close."

“We want Reece to be remembered as he was as a great guy. He had a lot of friends and was a loving person who will all remember him as he was.

“We can’t believe something like this has happened to him he wasn’t like that at all.”

Superintendent Chris Bridge said police believed it was an isolated event and pleaded with the community to come forward with more information.

He said: “My thoughts and prayers go out to Reece’s family. His family are currently being supported by specially-trained officers.

“I am able to confirm that we have arrested two boys relating to this incident, aged 14 and 15. We are confident based on the information we have that this is an isolated and targeted attack and we are not seeking to speak to any other persons in relation to this incident.

“One event like this is too many.

“I want to reassure the community we’ve got a dedicated team of murder detectives which is working solely on this investigation with the objective of bringing the person or persons to justice.

“The local community will see in the area of Walker Avenue a heightened police presence so uniformed officers in a larger number than you’d usually expect.

“I thank that area of Bolton which has always helped us in the past.

"We are stronger as the police and community together, to stop these incidents happening going forward which is one of my primary objectives.”

St Michael’s Primary School, in Green Lane, paid tribute to Reece, who was a former pupil, as did Harper Green School, where he was a student before his death.

They posted on Facebook: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Reece Tansey, a former pupil, after yesterday’s tragic news.”

Harper Green school, where he was currently a pupil, also paid tribute to Reece.

They said: “It is with great sadness that we are contacting you to inform you that an incident occurred in the local community at 4.40am this morning (May 4) resulting in the tragic death of a Year 10 student of Harper Green School.

“The school community is shocked and saddened by this terrible news and our thoughts are with the student’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“For a life to be ended at such a young age is a total tragedy.

“We will ensure any students who need it receive support and advice through our pastoral system.”

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting incident 359 of 04/05/2021 or report online at gmp.police.uk, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.