Residents in Salford were left reeling after a teenage boy was found stabbed to death in a park.
The community of Broughton Park woke on Sunday morning to find a huge police presence in the area - including detectives and forensic teams.
Police have confirmed this evening that a 17-year-old boy was the victim of the tragedy, as they launched a murder investigation.
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He was found with a single stab wound by officers who were called to Clowes Park at 7.30am today, after neighbours reported seeing a man in an unresponsive state.
No further details about his identity have been released at this stage.
His next of kin have been informed.
Nobody has been arrested in connection with the incident.
A large cordon remained in place in Clowes Park and the surrounding areas on Sunday evening, as detectives try to piece together exactly what happened.
One of the first people to witness the incident was Mark Bamberger.
He told the Manchester Evening News: “It's really really shocking. There's always parties in the park.
"The street was full [of police cars] when I got back at 8:20am this morning. It is not nice."
Mr Bamberger, who has lived on Okeover Road for 11 years, said he saw a man lying face down near to the lake in the park.
His neighbour, a woman called Judith, said it was the first time she had seen anything like today’s incident in her 40 years on the suburban street.
"I have never heard anything like this," the 70-year-old said.
"It's a community. When I opened the curtains I saw loads of police cars and two men in full PPE.
"Good heavens what is all this about’ [I thought]. It's quite frightening."
Another man, who did not give his name, added that the closure of the park had been disruptive for the community.
He explained: "This is in the middle of the community."
Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies of GMP's Major Incident Team reassured residents that a 'heightened' police presence will be felt in the community over the coming days.
He appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
"This is a tragic incident and the impact will no doubt be felt across the community and Greater Manchester," DCI Davies said.
"We have launched a full investigation and detectives from our Major Incident Team are working at speed to establish all the facts and ensure we support his next-of-kin through this horrific time and ensure the person or persons responsible for his death are brought to justice.
"I would urge anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant you feel it may be, to get in touch with police as a matter of urgency. Any information, or video footage, could prove pivotal to our investigation.
"Violence like this will never be tolerated and I understand the deep concern and upset that this will cause for those who live in the surrounding area.
"I want to reassure you were are treating this with the utmost seriousness and there will be a heightened police presence in the area over the coming days as we carry out enquiries and I would encourage anyone who may be worried or have information to speak with our officers."
Anyone with information, or video footage including mobile phone, CCTV or doorbell footage, should contact police on 0161 856 0055 or 101 quoting incident 854 of 30/01/22.
Alternatively, details can be passed via our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
