Oldham: Murder investigation launched after death of man in street

The victim was found with a serious head injury on Abbey Hills Road on Thursday evening and died a short time later, Greater Manchester Police said.

A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into police custody where he remains for questioning.

On Friday morning, two officers were stationed by a forensic tent as they waited for a crime scene investigator to arrive.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder (Image: Newsquest)

Samuel Wrigley, 18, lives near to the scene, which he visited at 4am after being alerted of the incident by a friend.

He said: “There were loads of police everywhere, there were crime investigators, a police van – I’d say there was about 10 policemen.

“I know people will try and call this a bad estate but it’s not, it’s actually alright – things like this happen everywhere.”

Abbey Hills Road was closed between Manor Road and Whitby Road in the early hours of the morning, but has since reopened.

A cordon has been set up in front of the former Ayan Tours & Travel Shop and Smart Furniture, with an alleyway behind the building also cordoned off.

Nearby business Nidge Perry’s Barbershop, positioned 100 yards down the road, was open as usual. 

Police cordon off alleyway to the back of building which had a forensic tent outside (Image: Newsquest)

“I don’t know what’s gone on really, but I’ve heard rumours,” said 38-year-old Nidge Perry who was cutting a customer's hair.

“It is scary being so close to home, it might have an affect on my business with people being scared to come up here.”

Enquiries are ongoing and officers are appealing to members of the public who may have relevant information to make a report to police.

Lee Helms, 39, lives in a flat neighbouring where the incident took place. He said he went to the kitchen at 11pm last night to “make a brew" when he saw flashing lights outside the window.

Superintendent Jane Higham added: "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."

Residents with relevant footage of the incident have been urged to call 101 quoting 3909 of 03/11/2023.

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