Tributes paid to mechanic who died hours after row
‘FRIENDLY AND CARING GUY’ SUFFERED SERIOUS HEAD INJURIES IN STREET CLOSE TO WHERE HE LIVED
TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who died after suffering serious head injuries.
Mechanic Leon Faulkner passed away in hospital after police and paramedics were called to his home in Forester Hill Avenue in the Great Lever area of Bolton. Four men – aged 39, 20, 39 and 35 – and a 43-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
They all remained in custody for questioning.
Officers believe Mr Faulkner’s injuries may be linked to an earlier assault or altercation in nearby Deal Street at 12.30pm on Tuesday. His body was found at 4pm.
The street was taped off at its junction with Rishton Lane as forensic investigators swept the scene.
Several police vehicles continued to guard the cordon.
Forensics officers were also seen working at the semi-detached property Mr Faulkner shared with his family in Forester Hill Avenue.
Neighbours on the quiet residential street expressed their shock.
One described him as ‘a really nice guy,’ who was ‘willing to help anyone.’
Another, who asked not to be named, said: “He was such a lovely person, it is so sad what has happened.
“Any time you needed help Leon would be there, he was caring.
“Whenever he saw you, he would always be the first one to say Hello.”
A resident living on the street said he had known Mr Faulkner since he was young and regularly saw him walking his dog.
He added: “He’s lived here since he was a kid and he was always friendly to me. He was just a really pleasant guy. It’s shocking.”
Det Insp Gareth Davies, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this dreadful time. The investigation is in its early stage and we are working hard to provide much-needed answers for the man’s loved ones.”
“We are particularly interested to hear from anyone who may have witnessed an assault or altercation on Deal Street, close to the junction with Rishton Lane in Bolton at around 12.30pm earlier the same day -Tuesday.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 0161 856 4711, quoting incident number 1991 of 07/01/2020. Reports can also be made anonymously to Crime stoppers to 0800 555 111.