An investigation has been launched after a man in his 50s was tragically found dead outside a church on Monday morning.
Emergency services rushed to St John the Baptist church, on Vicarage Road in Irlam, at around 8.40am yesterday (December 30) following a concern for welfare report. The church yard was cordoned off by police, with a forensic tent set up near a back entrance of the building.
Officers maintained a presence inside the perimeter while detectives in plain clothes conducted their inquiries throughout the day. Emergency crews found a man in his 50s dead at the scene upon arrival.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. It has not been confirmed yet whether it is being treated as suspicious or not, the M.E.N reports.
A major police scene remained in place throughout the day. Officers were seen bagging up evidence, including what appeared to be clothes, before a private ambulance arrived on Monday afternoon.
Blood was seen on the outside walls of the church. People living were shocked at the police activity in the church grounds, in an area they described as ‘quiet’.
The church yard was taped off by police
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.”
A third resident, who moved in nearby two weeks ago, added: “It’s really strange. It’s such a lovely area and so quiet. All you get round here are dog walkers.”
“We sleep at the front of the house with the window open – and I was up at 4 in the night. We didn’t hear a thing – no commotion or shouts at all.”
Flowers have been laid at the scene
Following the tragedy, flowers were placed at the scene outside the church by the vicar. Further details surrounding the incident have not yet been confirmed.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “At approximately 8.20am this morning, we were called to reports of a concern for welfare on Vicarage Road in Irlam, Salford. Emergency services attended the scene but despite the best efforts of emergency workers, a man in his 50s was sadly pronounced dead.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
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