As a family event continued in Broadfield Park near the scene of the attack, parents spoke about their fears for the area
18:18, 09 May 2026Updated 19:44, 09 May 2026
Police and forensic officers at a scene on Raby street in Moss Side(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Families in Moss Side have spoken of their fear and shock after a musician was fatally stabbed in the street.
The victim, named locally as father-of-three Dre Brown believed to be aged in his 30s, was stabbed on Raby Street at around 11am on Friday. He was taken to hospital but died a short time later.
Detectives have described it as a ‘targeted’ attack and a ‘shocking act of violence’. One a man aged 18 has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.
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Today police and scene of crime officers remain on Raby Street, which has been cordoned off as the investigation continues.
Despite the heavy police presence, a family event continued at Broadfield Park in Moss Side close to the Powerhouse community centre
As police continued with their work, residents of Moss Side who were attending a family event on Saturday spoke to the Manchester Evening News about their shock and fear that the area could return to the violence that terrorised it in the early noughties.
One, who declined to be named, said: “I was shocked and I got scared as there is a children’s event going on in the park and I thought this is not a safe place anymore.”
Another, Hugh, said: “I was quite surprised. I’m shocked, the area feels relatively safe but I wouldn’t walk down that area at night.”
Dre Brown(Image: Facebook)
Myretta, 37, said: “When we were driving up I said why is there police here? There’s a children’s church programme going on. We were really shocked but I said something must have happened.
“I used to live just there and it’s something quite common, that’s why I moved when I started to have kids.”
Ruth, 55, said: “I just noticed it now, oh my goodness, that’s so sad. There has been a lot of improvement in the area and a lot of youth empowerment places and then you see this and it sets you back, it was common maybe 10 to 15 years back. You worry now when this happens, it’s so sad.”
Another resident, with a family, said: “We heard about the incident this morning at 10am as our son normally goes to Kumon in the Powerhouse.
“We are quite scared and shocked, it’s a public space and it happened near. We go to the area and park often with our children as they have a lot of events here at the Powerhouse for the children. (I’m) really shocked especially with our concerns about the children.”
Chris and Rose from Revelation Church, which organised the family fun day event in Moss Side, said: “We come here on Sundays to go to church and there are never any issues and we organise events to try and get the community together but it is a concern about what has happened. Chris continued: “I’m not surprised, for a long time things like this have been going on around here but there has been a massive improvement and then this happens. It’s a bit of a surprise.”
The victim of the stabbing has been named by friends as Dre Brown. His full first name was Adrian, it is understood. Mr Brown was a musician, going by the name StanaMan.
Police and forensics at the scene of a murder in Moss Side(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Tributes have been paid to him on social media. One friend said: “RIP, Dre. You will be sadly missed. Gone far too soon. You were such a kind soul and amazing father.”
Another described him as a ‘good kid’. A pal wrote: “Rest in peace, Dre”. Natalie Brownlie posted: “RIP Dre.”
Detective Superintendent Toby Facey said: “This was a shocking act of violence, and our thoughts remain with the victim and his family at this incredibly difficult time. They continue to be supported by our specialist officers.
“I would like to reassure the community that we believe this was a targeted attack and poses no wider risk to the public.
“We understand this is a deeply concerning incident, and we will have extra patrols in the area. I encourage anyone with concerns or queries to please speak with our teams.”
Anyone witnesses or people with dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage are being urged to call GMP via 101 or the force’s LiveChat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 4069 of 08/05/26. Alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.