A murder investigation has been launched after a 50-year-old man was found dead with serious head and chest injuries at an address on Gray Street in Bolton on June 30. Greater Manchester Police said 'new information' emerged, and following a post-mortem examination, officers launched a murder probe. A 15-year-old boy has been detained under the Mental Health Act and will be questioned in due course.
Neighbours' shock
People living on the street described the man, named by neighbours as Mustafa, as 'very nice and quiet' and someone who 'kept himself to himself'. Steven Fielding, 62, told the Manchester Evening News he first saw police at the scene three weeks ago on the night the man was found dead. He saw tactical vans and forensic units at the address 'over a week later'.
Fielding said: 'They were doing forensics in the back garden on a mattress. But I can't understand why they'd do forensics over a week after. They've had the house guarded with an unmarked police car parked outside of it as well.' He added that it was a shock as he'd only seen the man two days earlier. 'I was shocked that he had died because I'd only seen him two days before walking down the street. He was polite, he'd always say good morning when he came past on the way to visit his dad who was very ill. It's pretty quiet around here, so for something like that to happen, I can't believe it.'
Police statement
Other neighbours said he was 'very quiet' and 'kept to himself' and were shocked when they heard a murder investigation had been launched. Police have described the incident as 'isolated' with 'no wider risk to the public'. Investigations are continuing, and anyone with information is urged to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Edwards, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said: 'Our thoughts remain firmly with the man’s family and friends. Following new information coming to light regarding his death, we are now carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the events of the day he died. We’d like to thank members of the community for their patience and understanding as we carry out enquiries in and around the Gray Street area. There is no information to suggest there is any wider risk to the public, and we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident.'
