Boy, 12, held over McDonald’s murder
A BOY of 12 has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was fatally attacked outside a branch of McDonald’s.
The youngster was held yesterday morning along with another youth aged 17, following earlier arrests of two 16-year-old boys.
All were held in custody for questioning on suspicion of murder, Greater Manchester Police confirmed.
Police were first called shortly before 10.50pm on Wednesday to an assault, which is believed to have begun outside a McDonald’s restaurant in the town centre of Ashton-under-Lyne.
A man in his 40s was found injured and was taken to hospital where he died in the early hours of Thursday.
Formal identification of the victim is yet to take place but his name is expected to be released by police today.
Detective Inspector Kevin O’Regan of Greater Manchester’s major incident team, said: “This has been quite a fast moving investigation and we have now made three further arrests, bringing the number of people in custody to four.
“Our investigation continues and I would urge anybody with information to contact police, no matter how insignificant you think it may be.”
The attack took place in what is usually a busy town centre.
Residents of the area spoke of their shock after the attack.
A 66-year-old woman, who asked not to be named, said: “There really are some rotten people around here. How can they attack someone like that?
“It’s so vicious. It makes me feel really worried for my safety. I walk around here all of the time and that makes me feel sick knowing this has happened here.”
A worker at a shop nearby said: “I can’t believe this has happened somewhere so open and busy.
“This was in the town centre for goodness sake. It’s shocking, if that’s happening in the centre what is going on in the back alleys? I am shocked.”
After the attack, both the area outside the McDonald’s and another stretch of road round the corner from the restaurant were cordoned off.
It is believed an item of clothing relating to the case was found in the second area.