A 36-year-old racing driver who was hacked to death with an axe allegedly by a man he knew has been pictured for the first time.
Ryan Lowry was chased down the street and attacked at around midnight in Partington, Greater Manchester. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 31-year-old man has been arrested under the Mental Health Act, police have said.
His attacker also damaged a number of parked cars and rang the police to report the incident before fleeing the scene.
Mr Lowry was a motorcars enthusiast and co-founder of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) all Porsche trophy series, which raises awareness and money for mental health.
Ryan Lowry, 36, was chased down the street and killed with an axe in Partington, Manchester
Racing car driver Mr Lowry, pictured, was co-founder of the CALM All Porsche trophy series
The attacker later rang the police to report the incident before he fled the scene, Greater Manchester Police said
Mr Lowry’s family have released a heartbreaking statement paying tribute to a man who ‘didn’t have a bad bone in his body’.
‘We, as a family, would like to thank all those that have sent such kind and thoughtful messages so far. They are testament to how well-loved and respected Ryan is.
‘It’s hard to believe how something like this can happen to someone like Ryan, who did not have a bad bone in his body.
‘All he ever did was to be there, in whatever way he could, for those that needed help.’
‘As a person full of kindness, strong principles and humour, he will be missed by so many. Please respect our privacy at this difficult time.
‘Ryan loved motor cars and motor racing and was co-founder of the CALM All Porsche Trophy series, raising awareness and money for mental health.’
‘So many people have asked if there is anything they can do at this time. We know Ryan would appreciate, should anyone want to, any donations to CALM.’
Mr Lowry, second left, pictured behind the wheel of a sports car on social media. His family have appealed for people to donate to Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
Mr Lowry, first right, at the SIM Track Driver Performance Centre after a partnership was announced between the track and CALM All Porsche Trophy series on Sunday February 16
CALM All Porsche Trophy said in a statement on Friday that Mr Lowry ‘died trying to help another near his home’.
‘Ryan and his dad Andy were well-known around the race tracks of the UK and made many friends during Ryan’s time as a racer and as race organiser.
‘Please say a prayer for him, if you are a believer, or send him and his family kind thoughts if you are not.’
Friend Damian Cottrell paid tribute to Mr Lowry, saying: ‘I’m absolutely shocked, and deeply saddened, at the news of the passing of my pal Ryan Lowry.
‘Was only with him at Stoneleigh on Sunday… just don’t know what to say, a great lad, always got on really well, fun to be around always happy… deepest condolences to his family, a tragic loss.’
A cordon was in place yesterday while the murder inquiry continued, police said.
Residents were woken up by emergency services rushing to the scene, as police described a ‘shocking’ incident.
The man died after he was chased down the street and attacked by an assailant wielding an axe
A 31-year-old man has been detained under the Mental Health Act. Pictured is the scene yesterday
Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Kelly said: ‘This a shocking incident in which a man has sadly lost his life.
‘Our thoughts remain with his family, who are being supported by specialist officers at this incredibly distressing time.’
He added: ‘I would like to reassure the public that this is being treated as an isolated incident, and we have an increased police presence in the Partington area as we piece together the exact circumstances of what happened.
‘Whilst we have a man in custody, our investigation is very much ongoing.’
Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 8566777, quoting incident number 3649 of 28/02/20. Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.