Two arrests after police find body while on the beat
A MUDER investigation has been launched after police found a man dead while they were on patrol.
Officers were on duty in the area around Devon Street in Werneth, Oldham, when they found the body on wasteland.
The man, believed to be in his 30s, was confirmed dead by paramedics at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding his death are unclear. A Home Office post-mortem is due to take place.
A 50-year-old man and a 30-yearold woman were arrested on suspicion of murder. They remained in custody for questioning last night.
Police cordoned off a section of Devon Street and the adjoining wasteland, where houses are being built.
A forensics tent was seen as experts trawled the area for evidence.
A resident, who asked not to be named, said they saw police arrive at around 5pm on Tuesday.
Another resident, Hakar Gardi, who spoke to the M.E.N. while cradling his 11-month-old daughter, said: “I’d been at work and came back at 5pm. I saw a lot of police, more than 10 police officers in four or five cars. “At 6.30pm I saw three forensic officers going to the wasteland. I’m so sad. “I don’t know the man who died, but it’s so sad. I’ve lived here more than six years. “We’ve asked the council to move because we think the area is dangerous. Superintendent Debbie Dooley I’m scared because I have a baby.
“There’s always something happening here, every other day.”
Superintendent Debbie Dooley, from GMP’s Oldham borough, said: “My thoughts are with the man’s family at this devastating time.
“My team and I will be working hard to give them all of the answers to the questions they understandably have.
“Our inquiries are in the very early stages and there are a lot of pieces to this puzzle missing.
“I would like to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, or knows how the man may have come to his death, to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8972 or 101.
Reports can also be made via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.