Youth On Murder Charge

A teenage boy has been charged with murdering a 16-year-old boy in Manchester.

Conor Black was stabbed once in the shoulder in Moston Lane, Harpurhey, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Conor was found by passers-by on a grass verge by the side of the main road.

It is understood the budding 'rapper' had attended a "rowdy" party and had become embroiled in a "petty squabble".

The joinery student died on his way to hospital after paramedics treated him for a puncture wound.

Although the results of the post-mortem have not been officially released, it is believed Conor was stabbed through the aorta.

Community leaders said the killing was the "first of its kind" for many years and has left residents "shocked".

The 16-year-old youth, who cannot be named because of legal reasons, is charged with murdering the student who lived on the Lightbowne estate.

The accused is due before Manchester city magistrates on Tuesday.

Councillor Paul Fairweather said: "We're very keen to reassure the community and to encourage them to work with us and police. There's a huge level of shock and concern.

"There has been a lot of work with youngsters in Harpurhey and it is crucial there is more of that work with children, teenagers, parents and community workers."

Inspector Leon Jacobs, Head of Harpurhey and Moston neighbourhood police team said "possession and use of knives won't be tolerated by the police".

Stephen Holt, Chairman of the local Trinity and District Residents Association said "everyone feels the deepest sympathy for Conor's family".

A memorial to Conor is continuing to grow near the crime scene.

His mother, Anita, with whom he lived, has been to upset to speak.

(DS)