Tragic dad 'fought right until the end'

GARY Hoolickin and his wife Lesley

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THE family of a young dad who died after he was stabbed outside a pub believe he was fatally injured while trying to protect a woman.

Michael Hoolickin (27) - the youngest son of former Oldham Athletic footballer Gary Hoolickin, who made more than 200 appearances for the club over 14 years - suffered five separate knife wounds and 'fought to the end' in hospital, his parents revealed as they paid tribute.

One of four brothers, Michael leaves behind his own four-year-old son, Ellis.

A murder investigation is continuing after a disturbance outside the Friendship Inn on Cheapside, Middleton, on Friday night ended in tragedy.

Greater Manchester Police said that a 21-year-old man was arrested in Merseyside yesterday on suspicion of Michael's murder and is due to be questioned by detectives in police custody.

Michael, described by his parents Gary and Lesley as a much-loved family man who was the life of any party, died from his injuries in hospital on Monday.

Gary (58) said: "We had him for 27 years and he loved life. He looked after everyone and he has ended up dying by trying to help someone else, so we believe. That just sums up his character."

The family, from Middleton, said the exact circumstances were still unclear and police were working to piece details together.

But they believe that Michael had stepped in to protect a woman who had been assaulted.

Overwhelmed

Gary said: "As far as we believe, Michael had tried to protect her and stop it. We think that the man in question was arguing with a girl and Michael stepped in. The attack on Michael happened as he tried to protect someone else, so we believe."

The family said they have been 'overwhelmed' with the support they have received since Michael's death. They also thanked nurses, doctors and surgeons at Manchester Royal Infirmary, as well as Greater Manchester Police.

Mum Lesley (58) said Michael, who went to Cardinal Langley RC High School in Middleton and was working as a window fitter, touched many people's hearts.

She said: "The support has been second to none. It has helped us. We are very family orientated and the house has always been full since it happened.

"His mates have been brilliant and we cannot do this without them. People were lining the corridors of the hospital and the staff at the hospital couldn't do enough for us or Michael."

Gary said they arrived at hospital to be told Michael's heart had stopped. He said: "They massaged his heart in A&E but he remained critically ill. They put him in an induced coma but told us he was strong and he never gave up. He was fighting right until the end. But that was my son and that's how we will remember him.

"He was a big lad with a big heart and he'll never be forgotten."

Michael's brother Gary (31) said: "He loved being a dad, loved watching the football with his mate and loved having a good time - that was him all over.

"We are in shock but the response we have had from the community and our friends has been brilliant."

Police are continuing to appeal for information.

An 18-year-old man has also been charged with assisting an offender and is due to appear at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court in November.