Three teenagers have been charged with the murder of 33 year old Scott Anderton from Leigh was found on Thursday morning in the Liverpool-Leeds canal.
Liam Bailey aged 19, of Diamond Street, Leigh, and two boys – aged 16 and 17 – who cannot be named for legal reasons, have all been charged with one count of murder.
Scott died after suffering multiple stab wounds and blunt trauma injuries.
Scott’s family have paid tribute to him, saying: “As a family we would like to thank everyone for their support and kind words in what has been the most heart breaking time of our lives.
“As you can imagine our family are still struggling to come to terms with what has happened and will never understand why someone would want to hurt Scott.
“Scott did not have a bad bone in his body and was genuinely the most caring, loving, kindest person you could meet. The love for his family meant everything to him.
“He made time for anyone he met and would always be there if anyone needed help. Even on the darkest of days Scott was always positive and had the cheekiest smile which was infectious.
“Scott was our kid!
“Our family have been robbed of a son, dad, grandson, brother, nephew and uncle. There is an emptiness which can never be filled and our family will never come to terms with their loss.
“The only comfort we can find in all this madness is knowing that he will finally be at peace with his precious baby girl back in his arms.
“You are truly loved Scott. We promise you will never be forgotten and your memory will live on so it’s not goodbye forever, our kid, but just goodbye for now.
“You will forever be our diamond in the mud.”
