A man in his 50s was tragically found dead outside a church in Salford, Greater Manchester on Monday, December 30, with investigations now underway.
Police and paramedics were called to a concern for welfare report at the St John the Baptist church, on Vicarage Road, Irlam, at around 8.40am.
The churchyard was taped off by police and a forensic tent erected outside a doorway at the back of the building. Officers were stationed within the cordon and plain-clothed detectives carried out investigations throughout the day.
Upon arrival, emergency crews found a man in his 50s dead at the scene. 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.
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.
People living were shocked at the police activity in the church grounds, in an area they described as ‘quiet’.
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.”
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 Greater Manchester Police spokesperson 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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