There's no usual rush of traffic and shoppers on Union Street in Oldham town centre this Saturday. A police cordon lines the stretch as a murder investigation is launched.
Just yards from the cordon, a tram sits in the middle of the road as forensic specialists go about their work. A man has lost his life; another in custody suspected of murder.
At around 4.20am, officers were called to the street following reports a man - understood to be in his 40s - had been knifed. The victim was taken to hospital in a critical condition, but was sadly pronounced dead on arrival.
Detectives from Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team launched a murder probe. They are questioning a man in his 30s on suspicion of murder.
People living nearby watch as quietness consumes the usually-bustling street. On Saturday night - hours before the horrific incident - taxi and cars filled the road as people ventured out for a bite to eat and drinks with friends.
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One man who lives on Union Street told the Manchester Evening News: " It's horrible during the weekend. Monday to Wednesday it’s alright but from Thursday, it’s just a mess. Last night, the street was chock-a-block with taxis and cars, there were people all about. I woke up and saw a cordon around my house, they said someone had been stabbed."
Initial enquiries suggest the victim was stabbed following altercation with a man close to the Light of Bengal restaurant, according to police. A man in his 30s was arrested. He was being quizzed by detectives on Saturday night.
Another man said: "It’s so sad. Imagine just going out to have a good time with your mates and then losing your life."
A person who asked not to be named said: "At around 5am you see hundreds of people, drinking, fighting, shouting. Police are here every other week."
A member of a local church said: "One of the stores in the area decided to close because they were worried about their safety."
While formal identification has not yet taken place, cops believe the victim is a man in his 40s from Oldham.
Specially-trained officers have informed the man’s family and are working to support them.
Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst said: “We have a dedicated team of detectives working at pace following this fatal stabbing in the early hours of today, and we’re doing all we can to support the man’s family at this awful time and ensure that they get the justice they absolutely deserve.
“We’ve already spoken to a large number of witnesses who were in the town overnight, and we’re keen to ensure that we speak to everyone possible who may have seen something of significance in the moments before and after this devastating incident. This is understandably shocking news for the public to wake up to today and that is why we are conducting a wide-range of extensive and complex enquiries – including at the large scene in the town centre – to ensure we bring the man responsible to justice.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police via the Greater Manchester Police website, or by calling 101 quoting incident 501 of 28/05/2022. Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
