A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of 23-year-old Joe Burton, who died following a fatal incident in Bury on New Year’s Eve.
Anthony Junior Murray, 25, of Tarn Drive, Bury, has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article. He was remanded in custody after appearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court this morning, Friday 2 January 2026.
Greater Manchester Police launched a murder investigation after emergency services were called to an incident in Bury on Wednesday 31 December 2025. Joe Burton was pronounced dead at the scene.
His identity was formally confirmed in court documents released today.
Tributes have since begun appearing on social media, where friends and loved ones have shared their grief and memories of the young man. Many described Joe as “kind-hearted” and “always smiling”, with several posts expressing shock at his sudden death.

A woman in her 20s who was also arrested has been bailed pending further enquiries. Police say the investigation remains active and are continuing to appeal for witnesses and footage.
Anyone with information or relevant footage, including CCTV, dashcam or doorbell recordings, is urged to contact police via 101 or the Live Chat feature on the GMP website, quoting log 3529 of 31/12/2025.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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