Residents of an estate that was ‘rough to begin with’ have described their horror following an attack which claimed the life of an elderly man.
Witnesses say they saw the victim stumbling between properties on Royal Drive in Leigh – either drunk or unwell – at around 10.30pm on Friday (June 28). After trying several houses, he was reportedly attacked by a group of teenagers.
The elderly male was later found with injuries Greater Manchester Police initially believed were not serious. He was taken to hospital for further treatment.
This week, the force confirmed his condition began to deteriorate after a few days. And the victim, whose age has not been released, passed away on Wednesday morning (July 3).
READ MORE: Murder investigation launched after elderly man dies ‘from street attack’ as teenager arrested
Police were scrambled to the scene following a call from a witness, who told the MEN: “He was looking for somebody. I overheard him because he knocked at the wrong door.
“He was an elderly man and he didn’t seem well, he was either drunk or in pain. He knocked at the house he was looking for and that’s when a group of people came and went at him. It was around four people.
“They pushed him to the floor and that’s when I went to the phone to call the police. It was all such a blur and the police got here pretty quick. It wasn’t great, and I didn’t see everything because it was dark, I just hope it all gets resolved.”
Another member of public says he spotted a group of young people congregating at the top of Royal Drive on the night of the devastating incident. “The youths just weren’t stood outside the house where it happened, it looked like they were watching or facing something.” He told the MEN .
“It was like they were being aggressive. It’s a rough estate to begin with, they’re always out on motorbike and letting flares off. I picked up on it, there was definitely something not right that night. I said to myself, I’m not going up there.”
According to residents officers were seen patrolling the area in Higher Folds in the days after the incident and a Crime Scene Investigation unit was also spotted at a property on the street.
In reaction to the news of the death, one neighbour said: “It was quite a shock to find out, I was like ‘woah’.
“I didn’t know what happened until I saw something online yesterday. But I did see police up the street and a crime scene investigation van. I see police here all the time, they come here a lot.
“When I saw the police and the cordon I thought, ‘yup, somebody has killed someone.'”
Police say that subsequent enquiries revealed he was suspected to have suffered his injuries after being attacked in the street, with a murder investigation launched. Specialist detectives from the Major Incident Team have since arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
The 18-year-old remains in police custody for questioning. Due to concerns around the initial response to the report on Friday 28 June, GMP said it’s Professional Standards Directorate is conducting further enquiries into its response.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Naismith, from the Major Incident Team, said: “Firstly my thoughts, and the thoughts of the investigation team, are with our victim’s family at this devastating time.
“There are a number of enquiries being conducted to establish the events that occurred in the lead up to this tragic incident, but the arrest this evening is an important step in our investigation and providing justice for our victim’s family and friends.
“I’m sure that news of this nature will also be concerning for our communities. We have deployed additional officers to the area whilst we conduct further enquiries, if you have any questions, or something you would like to share with us, please do not hesitate to speak to them.
“This incident happened in a residential area, so we are appealing to anyone who may live nearby, or who was in the area on Friday 28 June between 10:30pm – 11:30pm, to please get in touch with us directly. We believe the man was assaulted in the street, and that someone out there knows more about this incident.
“Any information you may have, no matter how small it may seem, might be crucial to our investigation and help a grieving family get the answers they deserve.”
GMP said the next of kin of the man, whose age has not been released, have been informed and specially trained officers are supporting them at this difficult time.
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8743 quoting log 1379 of 02/07/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, information can also be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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