Friends pay tribute to 'brother to many'

HAPPIER times . . . Michael Hoolickin pictured at a recent wedding

TRIBUTES have been paid to the son of former Latics star Gary Hoolickin after he was stabbed to death outside a pub.

Michael Hoolickin (27) was set upon after violence flared near the pub in Middleton and was found by the emergency services with multiple stab wounds.

Friends have now paid tribute to the young dad, saying this recent photo of Michael at a wedding sums him up as being "fun and loving" and "welcoming everyone with open arms."

Michael's dad Gary played for Athletic in the seventies and eighties.

Best friend Reece MacRae posted on Facebook: "Today the world lost an amazing man, a brother to many, a friend, a son and a father.

"He was a man with a big heart that never stopped beating. You put up a good fight this weekend and did us all proud.

Devastating

"I will miss you forever and I can't wait 'til we meet again.

"I love you mate. I know you will always be with us until next time. Sleep tight."

His sister Chelsea Amber Brooke MacRae said the wedding photo summed Michael up adding: "Absolute devastating news. Michael Hoolickin you have been such a fighter all the way through this.

"So many prayers, hopes and wishes have been said and made for you.

"You can rest in peace now Mikey but you have left a massive hole in so many people's hearts and you will never be forgotten.

"I would like to send all my love to your family and friends. God has gained another angel far too soon . . . all because some selfish person has taken your life. Just shows what a cruel world we live in."

Michael, who has a young boy, was rushed to hospital after the attack on Friday night, but died from his injuries yesterday.

Police have confirmed that a murder investigation is now under way and a man has been charged with assisting an offender, although no other arrests have been made.

The suspected killer is believed to have called at the Friendship Inn on Cheapside, Middleton, moments before a brawl broke out. Michael is believed to have been in the pub earlier that night.

Jay Lilley added on Facebook: "Truly gutted and saddened about the news of Michael Hoolickin. Such a nice guy. Rest in peace. Thoughts with your family."

Joanne Hughes said: "Thinking of all the Hoolickin family . . . such a fun-loving lad always smiling ­- the memories you have left will last a lifetime. RIP Michael Hoolickin. You will be truly missed."

Dawn Smith added on Facebook: "Devastated over the loss of a great lad Michael Hoolickin. Gone but never forgotten, RIP."

Billy Crowley said: "Absolutely shocked by this sad, sad news.

"My heart goes out to the Hoolickin family and friends at this devastating and tragic time.

"Why oh why can people not just get along together?"

Det Chief Insp Jamie Daniels, from GMP's major incident team, said officers were with the family offering support.

DCI Daniels said: "This is now a murder inquiry.

"We will do everything we can to bring the victim's offenders to justice.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the victim at this difficult time and specially-trained officers are on hand to offer their support.

"We continue to appeal for information from anyone who witnessed the attack and we are particularly reaching out to people in the community who might not normally want to talk to the police.

"The loss of any loved one is heartbreaking but for the victim's family and friends to lose him to an act like this must be unbearable.

"I would ask anyone with knowledge about the incident to think about this, to do the right thing and get in touch with us.

"We are particularly interested in speaking to a man who was at the incident and is described as around 21, white, of medium build wearing a grey T-shirt and shorts."

Call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.