Teenage boxer, 18, dies after being gunned down on street in locked-down Bury

Teenage boxer, 18, dies after being gunned down on street in locked-down Bury – as police launch murder probe

  • Boxing prodigy ‘King Cole Kershaw’, 18, was shot in the street in Bury last night 
  • The teenager was rushed to hospital but doctors were unable to save his life
  • A murder probe has been launched, with his boxing gym paying tribute to him 

An 18-year-old boxing prodigy has died after being gunned down in the street in Bury.

Cole Kershaw, 18, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following the shooting on Wednesday evening but died just hours later. 

Officers were called to reports of a shooting at about 9.40pm in locked-down Bury, where they discovered the teenager, known as ‘King Cole Kershaw’ by his boxing gym.  

A murder investigation is now underway, though no arrests have yet been made. 

Police say his next of kin has been informed.

Cole Kershaw, 18, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following the shooting in Bury last night but died hours later

The boxing gym where Cole trained has led the tributes to the teenager.

In a post on Facebook on Thursday morning, Brick City Boxing Gym, in Bury, said: ‘Last night we lost one of our own, we are truly lost for words and we cannot comprehend why or how it has happened.

‘You weren’t just King Cole Kershaw you were part of the BrickCity family, always in with a cheeky smile and always gave 1000% effort and you were a true inspiration to watch.

‘Your Dad sat and watched every session and was unbelievably proud of you every time you trained.

‘Part of our BrickCity family has gone but you will never be forgotten.

‘Cole we know you will be boxing up in the stars so make sure you save a round for all of us.

‘Sending all our love to your family at this awful time.

‘RIP King Cole Kershaw you will be missed so so much.’

Cole’s friend, Kyle Hill, added: ‘He was a top top kid, had massive potential to make it far in boxing.

‘Always had a good laugh with him in school and the boxing gym, he truly was one of the good guys that you come across in life.’

Several streets in the area remained cordoned off on Thursday morning with officers guarding the scene.

A large police cordon involves Dawson Street and a large stretch of Chesham Road, which is near Clarence Park.

One witness said more than 10 police vehicles were at the scene on Wednesday evening.

Police are now appealing for information and say a number of people were in the area at the time of the shooting.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Ellison said: ‘This incident has resulted in a young man very sadly losing his life. I would like to start by saying that our thoughts are with his loved ones at this heart-breaking time and specially trained officers are doing everything they can to support them through this.

‘Although we are in the early stages of our investigation, officers are carrying out extensive enquiries and following a number of lines of enquiry. We are committed to identifying the person responsible for this murder and ensuring that they face justice.

‘So far, we have established that a number of people were in the area at the time. We believe these people have vital information which will assist us and I urge them to pass that on to Greater Manchester Police or Crimestoppers, anonymously, immediately. I also encourage anyone else with information to contact us.

‘Finally, I would like to offer some reassurance by saying that we do not currently believe that this was a random attack. 

‘However, extra officers will be patrolling the surrounding area in the days to come so anyone with concerns can speak to them directly.’

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting 3452 of 12/08/20 or the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.