A 36-year-old racing driver who was hacked to death with an axe 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 on suspicion of murder and detained under the Mental Health Act, police have said.
He had smashed the rear windscreen of a parked car moments before the attack and damaged a number of other parked cars. The attacker also called 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. He had run a business selling used cars and light motor-vehicles in his hometown Marple, Stockport, since 2011.
Ryan Lowry, 36, was chased down the street and killed with an axe in Partington, Manchester. He is pictured holding an award that he won during a racing championship
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,’ they said.
‘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 pictured after winning an award at a championship with his driving partner
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)
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.’
Shadowline Racing, which has a racing car previously owned by Mr Lowry, posted a picture of Mr Lowry with an award as they paid tribute.
‘My good buddy Ryan was tragically murdered last night,’ they said. ‘On my first season of racing he was always there for advice and would often study my footage and give me tips.’
‘We shared the seat three times last year on the mini endurance races with a fourth place at Silverstone and second place at Donnington Park and an amazing victory together at Brands Hatch GP circuit.
‘We were in contact every day and only spoke yesterday about this season especially about Zandvoort and Thruxton… will miss you buddy and (your old racing car) and I will be driving for you mate.’
Mr Lowry, first right, at the SIM Track Driver Performance Centre after a partnership was announced between the track and CALM All Porsche Trophy on Sunday February 16
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.’
Mr Lowry was attacked on Thursday night. A cordon was in place on the street on Friday as police launched a murder enquiry.
He started racing cars in 2012 and had competed in several championships including the 924 championship, Toyo Porsche Championship and the 750 Motor Club Classic Stock Hatch Championship.
Residents said they were woken by emergency services rushing to the scene, which remained in the area all night.
One resident who witnessed the attack told Manchester Evening News: ‘I was just going to bed when I heard a car being smashed up.
‘When I looked out the window there were two men fighting. There was a lot of shouting. It was inaudible but repetitive.
‘It looked like one of them had a weapon, though I couldn’t see what it was. I just saw their arms going like that.
‘When it looked safe to go out some of the people in the flats went out. It wasn’t a nice thing to see.’
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 Colin Larkin, from Greater Manchester Police’s major incident team, said: ‘This a shocking incident in which a man has sadly lost his life.
‘Our thoughts remain with his family, who continue to be cared for by specialist officers at this incredibly distressing time.’
‘I would like to reassure the community that, while our enquiries continue, we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this tragic incident.
‘The arrested man and Ryan were known to one another and police are working hard to understand th reason for this horrific attack.
‘Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in the Partington area.’
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.