THE parents of Declan Bunting who was fatally stabbed on Wilderspool Causeway have paid tribute to their son who they ‘miss so much’.
The 21-year-old died on Saturday after being rushed to Warrington Hospital with a stab wound to the chest.
Paying tribute to her son, his mum said: “Declan was my best friend.
“He was a loveable young man who was well-liked by all those who knew him.
“He would always be joking and making people laugh with no-one ever being sad or miserable when he was around.
"We all miss him so much and I wish we could have him back with us. I am lost without him.”
Declan's dad added: "From the first minutes of my son's life as I held him in my arms he made me laugh, cry, proud and sad. Any parent will understand that.
"One of the worst things about having someone you love taken away so young is it happens again every single minute.
"I love you son and all the people whose lives you touched love you. We’ll never forget you. Dad xx”
This morning, a man appeared in court charged with the 21-year-old’s murder.
Stuart Rawling, 31, of Wilderspool Causeway, is accused of killing Declan after he was stabbed in the chest with a knife.
Detectives spent four days questioning Rawling after police were granted an extra 36 hours by magistrates on Tuesday to carry out enquiries.
The suspect, who was wearing a grey jumper, appeared at Warrington Magistrates' Court this morning, Thursday, where he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.
He will next appear at Chester Crown Court on Monday.
As investigations continue into the 21-year-old's tragic death, detectives have confirmed that they have traced a key witness following an appeal on the Warrington Guardian.
PICTURED: Declan Bunting
At around 2.50am, a man approached a police officer on Wilderspool Causeway to raise his concerns about the behaviour of a group of people nearby.
The man then walked away while the officer went to investigate.
DI Adam Waller, of Cheshire Police’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our investigation remains ongoing and we are working incredibly hard to establish the exact circumstances of what has happened.
“I want to make it clear that this man is not a suspect and could have vital information, which could assist with our enquiries."
Enquiries are ongoing and officers remain in the area to provide reassurance.
Declan died after he was rushed to Warrington Hospital with life-threatening injuries on Saturday morning.
The 21-year-old's family are currently being supported by specially-trained officers.
READ MORE: Man arrested after 21-year-old dies
DI Waller added: “I would like to reassure people that, at this stage, this is believed to be an isolated incident.
“Officers continue to provide reassurance to the community and anyone with any issues or concerns is urged to speak to them.
“I would urge anyone who may have witnessed what happened, saw anything suspicious or unusual, or has any information which could assist officers with their enquiries, to contact us on 101.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 95059. Information can also be passed on anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article