Greater Manchester police have referred themselves to the police watchdog over the death of a 16-year-old boy. Rhamero West was discovered in Old Trafford, Manchester, on 9 September with stab wounds. The student was taken to hospital from the scene in Norton Street but died shortly afterwards. Rhamero, known as Mero, from south Manchester, was killed after he attended his first day at college where he was studying catering. His family paid tribute and described him as a “beautiful soul”. “We are in total shock and want justice for our beautiful son, Mero. His life was taken too soon at the age of 16, turning 17 on 20 September. We are all devastated and now left with an empty hole in our hearts. Mero was a beautiful soul and got on with everyone who he met.” A teenager was charged with murder on 17 September. The 16-year-old boy cannot be named for legal reasons. The Independent Office for Public Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it had received a referral from GMP “due to the fact officers had contact with a 16-year-old boy prior to his death”. “The referral is currently being assessed to determine what further action may be required from us,” a spokesperson for the IOPC said. “In line with normal procedure, this incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct,” said a spokesperson for the force. It said the stabbing followed “violent disorder” and several car crashes in south Manchester.