FRED WIZZART was known as the bike boy of Thelwall Avenue.

Everyone in the close-knit Fallowfield community knew that the popular 13-year-old had the magic touch when it came to fixing things up.

He never asked for a penny but happily repaired any of the bikes which would regularly arrive at his home.

Poignantly, as the floral tributes piled up outside on the morning after the murders, dozens of bikes he had been sorting out for his mates were piled up at the side of the house.

Fred was sent to St John Vianney special school in Stretford after being diagnosed with dyslexia, but never let it stand in his way, regularly being presented with awards for both academic work and "his significant contributions to school life"

The school described him as "an outstanding pupil" who was a "very popular member of class, respected for his kindness, gentleness and mature attitude."

While his sister shone academically, little Fred - as the family called him - knew where his future lay. His dream was to be a motorbike mechanic and just days before he was killed, he had been accepted by a local garage for a work placement as part of an NVQ in mechanics he was about to start.

Appearance

Fred was a typical teenage boy in many ways - massively into computers, music and football. A Manchester United fan, he and his pals had scratched together a local soccer team called Thelwall FC and played unofficial games against other lads in the area.

In the six months leading up to his death, his family had noticed how the scrawny schoolboy was turning into a handsome young man, taking great pride in his appearance.

They released photographs to the MEN that Fred had taken of himself on his computer’s web cam.

Everyone who knew Fred has spoken of the selfless characteristics which helped set him apart. He was incredibly polite and devoted to his family.

Said one family member: "He never needed to be told off. He would always do what he was asked without any argument - always happy to do his bit and help out. And he always had a smile for everyone."

Grieving pals on Thelwall Avenue echoed those sentiments, describing Fred as a "great friend who we all miss."

Among the messages left at the murder scene in the weeks after was one which, for his surviving relatives, sums up the teenager’s spirit.

It read, simply: "Thank you for standing up for me against the bullies. Love you always."

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