A teenager from Wilpshire has made his first appearance in court charged with the murder of student Luke O'Connor in Fallowfield.

Shiloh George Pottinger, 19, has been remanded into custody following a hearing this morning (October 31) at Manchester Magistrates' Court.

He appeared before the court after being charged by police with the murder of Luke O'Connor, also 19. He is also accused of possession of a bladed article.

Pottinger, of Brailsford Road, Fallowfield, but originally from Wilpshire, is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, on November 2 for a preliminary hearing.

The 19-year-old was arrested on Friday night (October 28) and interviewed by detectives from Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Major Incident Team investigating Mr O'Connor's death.

Mr O'Connor died after being stabbed in Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield, at around 2am on Wednesday, October 26.

Paying tribute to Mr O'Connor, his family 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.

"He was a second year Business Management student at Manchester Metropolitan University who was originally from Bedfordshire.

"He loved the freedom of student living and studying and was loving life in Manchester.

"Luke was the youngest of three boys in our family and was a gentle giant with big hopes and dreams for the future.

"His biggest dream was to travel the world, but now Luke will never be able to fulfil that dream.

"Luke loved music, football and was a big supporter of Liverpool, who he followed religiously from a young age.

"He had a profound impact on so many people throughout his life. He was truly one of a kind, who’s presence would light up any room.

"Luke’s friends also adored him, as he adored them. They often called Luke a ‘Legend’ and ‘the life and soul’ of everything he did. Everyone who met him, truly loved him.

"Our lively, bubbly, beautiful boy has been taken from us and our family are now left with a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.

"Justice needs to be served as we have lost our beautiful young Luke, who was robbed of life.

"We will continue to honour his name for as long as we are all here, and his legacy with go on forever.”

Specially trained officers remain in contact with Luke’s family providing updates throughout the investigation.

Speaking at the weekend, Superintendent Helen Critchley, from Greater Manchester Police, 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.

“We’re grateful for all the information the public have given us so far and anyone who is yet to speak to us who may have details that could help our investigation should call 0161 856 6777 quoting incident 240 of 26/10/2022.”