A man has been released without charge after he was arrested on suspicion of murder of a 49-year-old man.
The man was found with a ‘serious injury’ following 999 calls on Friday, November 17. Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of an ‘unconscious’ man at a flat in Atherton, Wigan, Manchester Evening News reports.
He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later despite the best efforts of the emergency services. Officers said they believe the man, who has not been named, was stabbed.
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A 22-year-old man who was arreted on suspicion of murder has been released without charge after questioning, police say. GMP confirmed on Sunday the investigation was ongoing. The man has not been named and there’s been no further update.
Neighbours in the Atherton area of Wigan, meanwhile, spoke of their shock as the murder inquiry was launched.
Emergency services were called to Samuel Street, near Hindsford between the Atherton and Tyldesley areas of Wigan, just after 6pm on Friday night. The street, on an estate, is a mixture of terraced housing and flats, with a witness saying the ‘whole block’ was cordoned off for ‘forensics’ at the time.
Investigations focused on just one flat in the complex.
One source claimed the man involved was attacked inside the flat, but that wasn’t confirmed by force detectives. The Manchester Evening News understands the man used to live in the block, but had since moved address.
Residents said police arrived just after 6pm and the man’s body was taken away in a private ambulance just before midnight ahead of a post-mortem examination.
Detectives have urged anyone with CCTV, mobile phone, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson said police patrols have been stepped up. He said: “The thoughts of the entire investigation team remain with the victim’s family at this time. We are committed to getting answers for them and establishing what occurred.
“I understand people will be concerned when they hear of news of what has happened, but I would like to reassure you that we have a number of additional resources deployed to identifying the person responsible.
“We are treating this as a murder investigation and it is believed that the man was stabbed. We are carrying out multiple lines of enquiry and are also appealing to anyone with information about this incident to make a report to police.”
DCI Higginson added: “You can make a report by calling 101, quoting 2727 of 17/11/2023. Alternatively, you can make a report anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
