Tyson Fury has announced the death of his cousin on Instagram after he was involved in a fatal stabbing.

His cousin, Rico Burton, was murdered last night, Fury said in the Instagram post.

The boxer called on the UK government to do more to end knife crime, saying there needs to be a higher sentencing and calling it “a pandemic”.

He wrote on Instagram: “My cousin was murdered last night, stabbed in the neck, this is becoming ridiculous idiots carry knives.

“This needs to stop Asap, uk government needs to bring higher sentencing for knife crime, its a pandemic & you dont know how bad it is until its 1 of your own!

"Life is very precious & it can be taken away very quick enjoy every moment RIP RICO BURTON may the lord god grant you a good place in heven (sic). see you soon #onlycowardscarryweapons”

Fans of The Gypsy King were quick to give their support and well wishes following the sad news.

One user wrote: “Terrible news. Knife crime in the UK is frightening. Kids carrying knives cause other kids are carrying knives. Knife fights never end well. Sorry for you and your family’s loss Tyson.”

Another said: "So sorry for your Families sad loss. Your right make the sentence a proper one and they might think twice about carrying a knife. Let your voice be heard Tyson, use your platform to get it across and campaign for a better future for our kids"