A murder investigation has been launched by detectives after the death a week ago today of a pensioner aged 75, police have revealed. The man has been named by Greater Manchester Police as Geoffrey Ives.
The force said officers were called to an address on Hardfield Street in Heywood, Rochdale, after 'reports of concern for the welfare' of a man there. Mr Ives was pronounced dead at the scene last Sunday and an investigation was launched.
GMP said today - Sunday - that 'inquiries have since established that his death could be suspicious'. No arrests have been made as yet and the force is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
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A police scene remained in place today at a flat complex on the road, with forensic investigators wearing white protective suits also present, taking photographs and assessing the scene.
In the statement, GMP said: "On Sunday 29 January 2023, GMP were called to reports of concern for welfare of a man in his 70s at an address on Hardfield Street, Heywood in Rochdale.
"A man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene and an investigation was launched. Enquiries have since established that his death could be suspicious.
"A small cordon remains in place at the scene with no disruption to the wider area. No arrests have yet been made as of yet. The man has been named as 75-year-old Geoffrey Ives. His family ask for privacy at this time."
Detective Chief Inspector David Moores confirmed a murder investigation has been launched and described what the force believes to be an 'isolated incident'.
Det Chief Insp Moores, the senior investigating officer, said: "Our thoughts are with Geoffrey’s family at this difficult time and our specially trained officers will continue to support to them.
"Following the launch of a murder investigation, a team of detectives have been working tirelessly to piece together information and evidence.
"Our enquiries have now brought us to a point in the investigation where we are able to appeal to members of the public to ask for more information. Officers from the Rochdale district will be providing a visible presence in the coming days for reassurance as we understand that this incident may cause some shock and concern.
"We would like to reassure residents in the area that we will continue to investigate what we believe to be an isolated incident, with no wider risk to the public and would like to thank the public for their cooperation and patience so far.”
"Whilst officers are gathering evidence from the scene and the surrounding area, anyone with information, CCTV, is asked to contact police via 101 quoting incident 2696 of 29/1/2023. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
"A dedicated Major Incident Public Portal has been opened to receive information, and you can directly submit images and mobile phone, dash-cam, or doorbell footage here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22S52-PO1. Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
No further details have been revealed.
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