The neighbours of an elderly man at the centre of an ongoing murder investigation in Timperley have spoken of their shock at the tragedy and remembered him as 'lovely' and 'a gentleman'.
Riddings Road turned into a major crime scene on Sunday afternoon (July 9) after emergency services were called to reports of a 'domestic disturbance' at around 2.30pm.
The victim, now publicly named as John Neil, was found with critical injuries and rushed to hospital from the scene, where he died a short time later. A murder probe was launched, with forensics and detectives remaining at the house for a number of days.
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It is understood that Mr Neil, aged in his 80s, was struck with an offensive weapon in the property. A man, aged 50 was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder but has now been detained under the Mental Health Act.
Following his death, neighbours of Mr Neil have paid tribute to him. One resident of Riddings Road told the M.E.N: "He was so lovely and a gentleman. He would go out every day and say hi whenever he walked past and saw us. I would speak to him in passing.
"I am a nurse, and he would always tell me I worked hard and couldn't give me enough thanks for the work we do in the NHS. He was a very lovely man, really caring and considerate. It was such a huge shock for us."
Another neighbour, who has lived on the street for 40 years, added: "He kept himself to himself really. We've been here 40 years and they lived there even before that. He was friendly, but quite private. It's just awful."
As a third person said: "He was a very quiet man. My husband would sit on the garden wall and speak to him sometimes. You just can't understand how something like this could happen."
A spokesperson for Bolton Coroner's Court has now confirmed that a file relating to Mr Neil's death has been passed to the coroner. An inquest will be listed in due course.
On Sunday, witnesses reported seeing a number of police cars and ambulances arriving at the scene on blue lights before a large cordon was put in place and the road was blocked off. An evidence tent was erected outside a house as forensics continued to carry out investigations or a number of days.
Police previously described the incident as 'isolated' and said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack.
Anyone with information can report it online or by using the GMP LiveChat service at www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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