Those living close to where a 'murder' victim was found unconscious in the street have spoken of their shock and horror at his death. The 45-year-old was found unresponsive and with a serious head injury on Abbey Hills Road on Thursday night (November, 9)
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he was pronounced dead a short time later. Police say they believe he was assaulted and have launched a murder enquiry.
A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and today (Friday) remained in custody for questioning. Detectives insist their investigation is ongoing and are urging any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
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A cordon remained in place into Friday with a police tent having been erected close to two convenience stores. Locals told the Manchester Evening News they became aware of what had happened in the early hours.
A resident on Abbey Hills Road, near Glodwick to the south west of Oldham town centre, said she saw “blues and twos going past a few times” at around midnight and went outside to have a look. She said: “Police had cordoned everything off. I wasn’t sure what it was.”
Officers then knocked on her door at 3.20am and told her there had been a ‘serious incident’, she said. Another resident who has lived on the road since 2007 said she “did not hear anything” but saw “blue lights” at around midnight and went outside and saw multiple police vehicles and an ambulance.
Others said the incident had deeply disturbed them. A shop worker said: “Crashes happen that’s normal but this is shocking”. He said he is now “worried” about his children. “I’m worried to send them in the dark”, he added.
The owner of a convenience store, said: “I saw the scene when I got into work at 9am. This is very bad and you feel bad for what’s happened. It’s shocking really.”
A woman said: “It’s worrying. Nothing like this ever happens here.” Whilst a neighbour said: “This is a relaxed town we don’t get murders here. I think everyone is surprised. "
Superintendent Jane Higham from GMP said: "The thoughts of the entire investigation team remain with the victim’s family at this time.
"This has come as devastating news to the family and we are committed to getting answers for them and establishing the cause of his death.
"We are treating this as a murder investigation and it is believed that the man was assaulted. 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 or dashcam. You can make a report by calling 101 quoting 3909 of 09/11/2023."
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