A murder investigation was underway today following the death of a man on Friday night, Greater Manchester Police detectives have revealed. The Manchester Evening News understands the man sustained what are believed to have been stab wounds.
A cordon is in place at the scene. 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 has been cordoned off for forensics'.
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A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police confirmed a murder inquiry was underway after the death of a man who suffered suspected stab wounds.
His identity hasn't been released as yet, with investigations believed to be ongoing at the scene. One source claimed the man involved was attacked inside a flat, but that hasn't been confirmed by force detectives.
This is a breaking news story. We will providing updates from the scene in the live blog below...
Key Events
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Residents speak of their shock
Our reporter has been speaking to residents at the scene.
One said they knew the man:
Sometimes he would walk past and he would let on.
Another said:
I feel sorry for the paramedics. Where something happens in these flats we get a bad name. It’s not all that bad.
Police statement in full
GMP's statement reads:
At around 6.08pm yesterday evening (Friday 17 November 2023), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to reports of a man unconscious at a property on Samuel Street in Atherton.
Officers attended and found a 49-year-old man with a serious injury. Despite best efforts of the emergency services, he tragically passed away a short time later.
GMP’s Major Incident Team is heading up the investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Officers are now appealing to members of the public who may have relevant information or footage - including CCTV, mobile, Ring doorbell or dashcam - to make a report to police.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson 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.
This includes anyone who may have relevant footage including CCTV, mobile, Ring doorbell or dashcam. 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.
Detectives issue appeal for information
Officers are now appealing to members of the public who may have relevant information or footage - including CCTV, mobile, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage - to make a report to police.
Police patrols in the area have been stepped up.
"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," said DCI Higginson.
'It is believed the man was stabbed'
GMP's Major Incident Team is heading up the investigation and the force said enquiries were ongoing.
There have been no reports of any arrests as yet.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson said: "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."
Police statement: Man, 49, dies at flat with murder investigation launched
We now have a statement from Greater Manchester Police.
The force says officers were called at 6.08pm on Friday night to a property on Samuel Street after reports of a man 'unconcious'.
A 49-year-old was found with a 'serious injury'. He died a short time later, the force said.
A murder investigation is now underway, GMP added.
