The man at the centre of a murder investigation in Rochdale has been pictured for the first time as his family paid tribute to the "best dad, grandad, uncle and friend".
Geoffrey Ives was found dead in his flat on Hardfield Street in Heywood on Sunday (January 29). Police found the 75-year-old's body following a ‘concern for welfare’ call the same day.
A murder investigation was launched a week later on Sunday (February 5) when investigations found his death ‘could be suspicious’. No arrests have been made and GMP are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
READ MORE: Murder investigation launched following man's death
In tribute to Geoffrey, his family said: "He has been there and supported us throughout our whole lives, always putting us first. He was a stubborn man, but there wasn't a bad bone in his body.
"Everyone that knew him loved him. He was the best Dad, Grandad, Uncle and friend to us all."
A friend of Geoffrey’s, who asked not to be named, told the Manchester Evening News she was the one who called police after not hearing from him for several days.
“I’m devastated, clearly,” she said. “I just used to go and see him and check on him. I hadn’t heard from him all weekend so I rang the police on Sunday.
“I’ve done nothing but cry all weekend. It’s hard. It wasn’t just me who had a bond with him, it was my daughter as well.
“He’s in his 70s and had no qualms with anyone. No one deserves that. I said in my police interview that it’s scary. Every day I walk out of the door and you don’t know what’s going to happen.
“I hate it. I hate being around here. It’s scary; I've not had my daughter all weekend because of it."
A police scene remained in place at a flat complex on Sunday (February 5). Forensic investigators in white protective suits could be seen taking photographs and assessing the area.
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."
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