A murder investigation has been launched after one man died and another was left fighting for his life in hospital following a stabbing on New Year’s Day.
The fatal incident took place in Deeplish, Rochdale, where a 38-year-old man suffered a ‘severe knife wound’ during the early hours of January 1. Despite the best efforts of paramedics who rushed to the scene, the man sadly passed away.
Another man, aged 30, sustained ‘serious injuries’ in the same incident and is currently in a stable condition in hospital. Detectives have launched a murder investigation into the incident.
Although no arrests have been made so far, they have stated that they ‘are not currently seeking anyone else’ in relation to their enquiries. The police investigation is focussing on two areas, one on Essex Street where a forensics tent has been erected, and another a short distance away on Milkstone Road where a paramedics bag could be seen abandoned on the pavement outside Milky Way ice cream parlour, the M.E.N reports.
Both locations were cordoned off by detectives as officers searched drains, rubbish bins and roof guttering. A resident on Milkstone Road said she looked out of her flat and saw paramedics.
A police tent on Essex Street
She said: “We heard sirens and the paramedics were outside. It’s usually a very busy road but there’s never been any trouble like that. This is so sad.”
Staff at takeaways on Milkstone Road said police were also called to the area two hours before the fatal stabbing. As police stepped up patrols in the area, GMP stressed that although no ‘formal arrests’ have yet been made they were ‘not currently seeking anyone else’ over the ‘isolated and targeted attack’.
Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Jones said: “Following developments overnight we have launched a murder investigation after the sad loss of life on New Year’s Day. My sincere condolences go out to the victim’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
Paramedics were dispatched to the scene and battled to save him, but he died at the scene
“Whilst no formal arrests have been made as yet, we are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with this incident. Our officers and patrols will remain in the area to provide visible reassurance to the local community whilst we appeal for more information from those who may have heard or seen something from last night and into the early hours of today.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who can assist with our investigation as we know the smallest bit of detail will help us piece together the moments that led to this tragic loss of life. That includes anyone who may have access to or footage from video doorbells, dashcams, CCTV or mobile phones that could have captured the incident or the moments before or after it.”
Anyone with additional information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 715 of 01/01/2025. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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