A police scene and blue evidence tent were erected outside a church doorway in Irlam on Monday morning (December 30). Officers taped off the entire church yard at St John the Baptist, on Vicarage Road, following an incident.
A forensic tent was put in place outside a doorway towards the back of the church building. Blood was also seen on the outside walls.
A private ambulance was at the scene on Monday afternoon. Officers were stationed at the cordon as plain-clothed detectives worked within the cordon.
A blue evidence tent in place
(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
People living were shocked at the police activity in the church grounds, in an area they described as ‘quiet’. It is thought emergency crews first descended on the area at around 10am.
One man who has lived in the area for over 40 years, said: “It’s really quiet around here. We’re right on the edge of Irlam – beyond these houses there’s nothing but farmland from here to Warrington.”
Another man, who lives opposite the church, said police first arrived at around 10am. He said: “I was just taking my dog out when they all arrived. She reacts to every sound, but we didn’t hear any disturbance at all then or last night. It’s a quiet area.”
Pictures taken from the scene on Monday showed a large police cordon in place. Officers were stationed within the cordon and a blue tent was put up in front of a doorway.
Further details about the incident have not yet been confirmed by Greater Manchester Police. The force has been contacted for a statement.