19-year-old to appear in court charged with murder of Manchester student Luke O’Connor

19-year-old Shiloh George Pottinger will appear at Manchester Magistrate’s Court today accused of killing MMU business management student Luke O’Connor. Pottinger has also been charged with possession of a knife.

Luke was stabbed to death as he returned home from a party on 26th October. Officers were called to the incident on Wilmslow Road in Fallowfield at around 2am. CPR was commenced at the scene. Luke tragically passed away later in hospital as a result of his injuries.

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.”

Greater Manchester Police want 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.”

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Featured image credit via Greater Manchester Police