TWO people have been arrested after a young barristers' clerk was stabbed to death outside a pub in Greater Manchester.
Joe O'Brien, 24, died in hospital after sustaining serious stab wounds amid a brawl outside the Royal Oak Hotel pub in Failsworth at around 3am on Easter Sunday.
Two other men, aged 21 and 23, were injured in the incident but are expected to recover.
Mr O'Brien, from Blackley in Manchester, has been remembered by his devastated family as a "much-loved son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew and friend" who loved his job at Deans Court Chambers in the city.
Paying tribute, his mother Roz McDonald said he was a "kind and generous" young man.
"Joe was hard-working and had a great sense of humour," Ms McDonald said.
"Joe worked as a barrister's clerk at Deans Court Chambers in Manchester and he loved this job."
One of Mr O'Brien’s friends, Cal Robinson, told the Manchester Evening News that the stabbing had "not just taken one person’s life away – Joe’s family and friends will suffer for the rest of their lives".
He added: "These crimes are happening more and more every day. When will this stop? When will justice be served on those who carry knives?"
A 22-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder on Tuesday in the wake of Sunday's "large fight" outside the Royal Oak Hotel pub.
The pair remained in custody for questioning this afternoon.
DCI Cheryl Chatterton of Greater Manchester Police said: "We are deeply saddened by Joe’s death and determined to find answers for his family, who are being cared for by specialist officers at this dreadful time.
"While we have made arrests, it is absolutely essential that anyone with information comes forward to the police as soon as possible."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the GMP on 0161 856 9908 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
