On Sunday afternoon, the streets around the spot where 17-year-old Prince Walker-Ayeni tragically died earlier this week were blanketed with a respectful silence.
On Thursday (April 4), the community on Raby Street was shocked to discover that a 17-year-old boy had been fatally stabbed in broad daylight. Today, tributes from friends, families, and neighbours line the railings of Millenium Park, with mementos of people’s memories of Prince interspersed between candles and bouquets.
Though the police cordon and forensic tent have now left the scene of the “targeted” attack, family members and friends whose lives were touched by Prince have been visiting the site of his tributes for quiet moments of contemplation. One family member told the Manchester Evening News that the young man had less than a week before his birthday, which is on Tuesday (April 9).
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But being from Manchester’s Caribbean community, which is said to have reached out and supported Prince’s grieving family, they said that they would be celebrating his life, rather than just commemorating his loss.
Prince’s uncle Kemoy Walker, who is a Moss Side ambassador for Manchester City Council, followed the tributes paid to the teenager, saying on X: “We lost my nephew to knife crime this week, our family is heartbroken.
“Every compliment about my nephew has been, he’s a polite young man, I will miss him so much…we had a great tribute yesterday! Prince Walker-Ayeni – thanking everyone for their support! What is life?”
The Greater Manchester Police investigation into the “altercation” that led to Prince’s tragic death is ongoing, with the force confirming yesterday that they were yet to arrest anyone in connection with the killing. Enhanced stop and search powers were granted for the Moss Side area in the days after his death, but those who fatally attacked the teenager remain at large.
On Friday, Det Chief Insp Neil Higginson of GMP’s Major Incident Team, described the incident as a ‘tragic and senseless loss of life of a boy that was on the cusp of adulthood’.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “This is a tragic and senseless loss of life of a boy that was on the cusp of adulthood, and our thoughts remain with his family and friends.
“Whilst no arrests have been made at this time, there will be a large police presence over the coming days for community reassurance and to carry out enquiries as we work tirelessly to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.
“We are continuing to appeal for any information or relevant footage – including mobile, CCTV, doorbell or dashcam. Any information you have will be treated with the strictest confidence and if you do have information to share, I urge you to do the right thing and report it to police, it may seem like a small piece of information, but it could prove vital to our investigation.”
Information can also be shared through the online Major Incident Public Portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP24A76-PO1 Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
