Boy, 12, held in murder quiz as man is stabbed at McDonald’s

A BOY aged 12 has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a father-of-three was stabbed at a McDonald’s restaurant.

Residents said a gang had taunted the victim, named locally as Brad Moore, then attacked him outside.

Police were last night questioning the boy plus two youths aged 16 and one of 17 over the late-night assault in Ashton-underLyne, Greater Manchester.

Mr Moore died from his injuries last Thursday.

A witness said the middle-aged man was left covered in blood after one youth smashed a beer bottle and stabbed him.

Police were called at 10:50pm but Mr Moore died in hospital from serious injuries to his head and abdomen early the following morning.

His ex-partner Helen Dolan, 39, who has a 21-year-old daughter with him, said: ‘It’s absolutely shocking that kids so young are involved. We’re all absolutely devastated.

‘He was a lovely, gentle guy who didn’t deserve to die like that.’

Keelie Maher, 29, said: ‘I came out of [a bar] and saw him on the ground. He had blood all over him, his face and arms.

‘Two men over him [were] helping him. But he was alive then. He gave the thumbs up and said: “I’m OK”.’

Local plumber Dave Marshall, 45, said: ‘I saw him a bit later and he wasn’t moving. A

‘Blood all over his face and arms’

group of tearaway lads had been thrown out of McDonald’s.

‘They were giving abuse to customers, including Brad. They think it’s funny to mess around.’

Detective Inspector Kevin O’Regan said: ‘This has been quite a fast-moving investigation. I would urge anybody with information to please contact police.’

Barry Mellor, who had known Mr Moore for 15 years, said: ‘He was a brilliant lad, he just had some mental health problems. These group of local lads started taunting him, calling him an alcoholic. He wouldn’t harm anyone.’

A 66-year-old woman resident of the market town said: ‘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.’

Friends of Mr Moore yesterday posted online tributes to the ‘good lad’ who ‘did no harm’.

Scott Gilhome, from Liverpool, wrote: ‘Such a sad end to a hard life’, while Kylie Smith said: ‘He had his problems but he was a nice lad.’