Murder arrests as Bury man found dead after 'dog theft'

Three men person been arrested connected suspicion of execution aft a antheral was recovered dormant successful a "targeted attack".

Donald Patience was recovered astatine a location connected Ainsworth Road successful Radcliffe, Bury, astatine astir 10:30 BST connected Tuesday, by constabulary responding to reports of a canine being stolen.

The 45-year aged was declared dormant astatine the scene, constabulary said.

Two men, aged 27 and 41, person been bailed pending further inquires and a 39-year-old antheral is successful constabulary custody.

Greater Manchester Police said a post-mortem introspection concluded Mr Patience's decease was suspicious.

His household said helium was "a much-loved son, member and father" who volition beryllium "sorely missed by many" and was "affectionately known arsenic Prentice".

Officers person appealed to the nationalist who whitethorn person seen oregon heard thing "unusual" earlier successful the week successful and astir the area.

Det Ch Insp Rachel Smith said: "I would similar to reassure the section public, arsenic I recognize determination volition beryllium alarm erstwhile uncovering retired astir this, but we are assured it is simply a targeted attack.

"We are besides looking for radical who whitethorn cognize Donald, person seen him walking his beloved achromatic labradoodle successful the section country oregon person immoderate cognition of immoderate enactment astatine oregon adjacent his address."

The unit added the canine was being looked after.