The victim at the centre of a murder probe in Greater Manchester has been named and pictured, as his family issue a heartbreaking tribute.
Zikel Bobmanuel, 32, was pronounced dead at the scene of an incident on Welland Street, Openshaw at around 2pm on Saturday 25 March. It’s believed he died as a result of gunshot wounds.
Zikel was a father, the youngest of his children just six weeks old.
His family said in a tribute that he was their ‘pride and joy’ and that he had been working hard to provide for his family.
Describing the devoted father, they said: “Zikel was many things to many people, he was a good friend, a hard-working colleague, part of a large extended family, but ultimately, he was his mother’s son, her pride and joy.
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“He held the heart of his girlfriend in his hand and was a hands on father to his beloved children, the youngest just 6 weeks old.
“Zikel was happy and fulfilled, he was working hard to provide for his family and was never more content than when he was spending time with them.
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“It is difficult to comprehend that Zikel has died under such tragic circumstances and the shock is profound.
“We are devastated beyond belief and find it hard to comprehend life without him.
“We would like to thank everybody for their kind words and the comfort their support has given us and respectfully ask for some privacy at this difficult time.”
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Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst said: “Our thoughts are with Zikel’s loved ones at this heart-breaking time. As our investigation continues, specially trained colleagues are supporting them.
“Since [Saturday] afternoon, we continue to build an in-depth timeline of events leading up to Zikel’s death and we are following a number of positive lines of enquiry. Although we currently have one man in custody, work is ongoing to ensure that those involved are brought to justice.
“I would like to thank members of the public that have already shared information with us. Any information, regardless of how small, may be the key to receiving answers for Zikel’s family.
“Whilst officers are gathering evidence from the scene and the surrounding area, anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact police via 101 quoting incident 1771 25/3/2023. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
“Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident in Openshaw.
Detectives are appealing for any information, especially relating to a second suspect who is believed to have fled the scene in a vehicle shortly afterwards and any CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage should be sent over to police as this may be crucial to the investigation
Zikel’s family ask for privacy at this time.
Featured image: GMP
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A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie issues statement after Co-op Live cancels gig at the last minute
Daisy Jackson
Hip hop star A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie has issued a statement after his Co-op Live gig was cancelled with just minutes to go.
The rapper was meant to be opening the huge venue tonight after several delays, which have included Peter Kay and The Black Keys postponing.
It looked like the doors would actually open today, but Co-op Live announced the show’s cancellation just minutes before fans were meant to head inside.
The 23,500-capacity venue blamed ‘a venue-related technical issue’.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie himself has now released a statement about the last-minute cancellation of his gig.
He wrote: “Something happened with the venue while I was at soundcheck today that caused cancellation of the show.
“We are working on rescheduling in the next few days.
“I’m heated about the situation too but safety first Manchester I got you, just stay tuned for further info.”
Co-op Live was meant to open with Peter Kay on 23 April, after a test event with Rick Astley the previous weekend.
But due to technical issues Peter Kay was rescheduled, and then postponed again, with The Black Keys also rescheduled.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie was supposed to be the first official act to play at the massive new Manchester arena.
But fans were turned away from Co-op Live at the eleventh hour today.
The venue said in a statement: “Due to a venue-related technical issue, tonight’s A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie show will no longer go ahead.
“We kindly ask fans to leave the area.
“Ticket holders will receive further information in due course.
“We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many.”
Further information for fans affected by the cancellation will follow soon.
Featured image: Publicity picture
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Co-op Live cancels opening night gig – after fans have already arrived at the arena
Daisy Jackson
Co-op Live has suddenly cancelled its opening night gig, asking all fans to leave the area.
The huge Manchester venue was finally ready to open the doors for the first official gig – A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – tonight.
But mere minutes before the action was due to begin, the venue has announced it’s no longer going ahead.
The Co-op Live had already been hit with several high-profile delays, including postponing Peter Kay’s opening gigs (twice) and pushing back The Black Keys.
In a statement issued this evening, they’ve now confirmed that A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie has also been cancelled.
The news came after the venue was meant to have opened its doors.
Co-op Live wrote: “Due to a venue-related technical issue, tonight’s A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie show will no longer go ahead.
“We kindly ask fans to leave the area.
“Ticket holders will receive further information in due course.
“We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many.”
Fans have understandably left gutted by the last-minute cancellation, and worried for their tickets for Olivia Rodrigo later this week.
One person wrote: “I’m getting whiplash, are you safe to open or not?? I have Olivia Rodrigo this weekend and I did not fight the Ticketmaster war for this.”
Another said: “My kids were going… cancelled it 10 mins after the doors were due to open.”
Someone else wrote: “My son’s two mates just got told as they arrived! How can they let it get so late in the day before cancelling? Crazy?”
One person commented on The Manc’s Instagram post: “At this point they need to shut the venue until its finished and then reopen it when it’s done. I was there for a residence opening before Peter kay and wires everywhere and loos that isn’t flush. They need probably atleast another month of work.
“Also we are missing 32 restaurants and bars that are not even close to being started on yet.whole reason they’re opening is because of contract stipulations and people need invoicing and the company running this does not want to loose more money. Bare in mind this has nearly cost 400 million so far and overdue on the build schdual anyway….”
One follower said: “Literally stood in the queue for 30 mins while they was letting people in and then decided to cancel it ! If there was a chance of it being cancelled why do it after the doors had opened.”