Police have released a man on bail as the murder investigation into the death of 56-year-old John McGarry in Rochdale continues. Tributes have been paid to Mr McGarry, who was found dead at a property on Curzon Road in Kirkholt, near Castleton.
Concern for welfare call
Police were called to a report of a 'concern for welfare' of a man at the property shortly before 8pm on Wednesday (October 7). Emergency services attended and a man aged in his 50s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of murder and was taken into custody for questioning.
On Thursday, Greater Manchester Police said detectives were working 'at a pace' and that they are 'keeping an open mind' and 'exploring all lines of enquiry' in order to 'establish the full circumstances' surrounding the death. In an update on Friday, a force spokesperson confirmed to the Manchester Evening News that the suspect has been released on bail pending further enquiries. No further details have been revealed.
Tributes to a 'gentle giant'
Mr McGarry is understood to be a father and a Rochdale AFC supporter. Tributes have flooded social media, with one woman saying: "So gutted fly high mate." Another said: "So sad r.i.p John." A third said: "What a horror condolences to the Mcgarry family x"
A man said: "One my good friends r.ip pal up the dale shocked" whilst another said: "Sad news fly high John." A man who said he had known Mr McGarry for over 40 years described him as a 'gentle giant'. He said: "He was a gentle giant, he was a tall lad. We used to go school with him, he was a really, really nice gentleman."
Investigation ongoing
In a statement, Detective Superintendent Richard Hunt from GMP said: "Firstly, our thoughts remain with the family of the man who sadly died, and we have officers assigned to support them through this difficult time."
"An investigation is underway and officers are working at pace to establish the circumstances which led to this man’s death." The force said a scene was expected to remain in place for a number of days.
