A man arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was stabbed to death in a flat has been released after questioning without charge, police said today.

Greater Manchester Police said the 22-year-old faces no further action as a murder investigation continued on Sunday.

He was arrested after a 49-year-old man was found with what police described as a 'serious injury' following 999 calls on Friday night reporting an 'unconscious' man at a flat in Atherton, Wigan.

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He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later despite the best efforts of the emergency services. Detectives said they believe the man, who hasn't been named, was stabbed.

Neighbours in the Atherton area of Wigan, meanwhile, spoke of their shock as the murder inquiry was launched.

GMP confirmed on Sunday the investigation was ongoing. The man has not been named and there's been no further update.

Samuel Street, Atherton

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."