An appeal for information into the murder of a Denton man nearly three decades ago has been reissued by police.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says that anyone who comes forward with information that could help secure a conviction for the murder of Paul McGrath in 1997 will be eligible to receive a £50,000 award for their assistance – which was first offered back in 2020.
Paul – who was said to be “well-liked and respected” within his local community – had gone for a drink at the Dog and Partridge pub, on Ashton Road in Denton, on the evening of Sunday 6 April 1997, before returning home on his own just after midnight, and then being “brutally attacked” at some point during the night.
Police say the 34-year-old suffered 18 stab wounds in what they believe was a “frenzied and targeted attack”.
At around 7.30am the following morning, Paul’s body was found at the foot of the stairs of his home on Holland Street West, in Denton, after a workman who was walking past found the door slightly open and saw him lying dead just inside the hallway.
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Nearly 3 decades on, detectives continue to appeal to find out what happened to Paul McGrath & bring justice to a family who have been grieving for nearly 30 years.
Two men were arrested within two weeks of the murder, before going on trial in March 1998, but they were both acquitted following a lengthy trial.
Although through investigations over the years have established that Paul had “no known grievances”, detectives are still appealing to the Greater Manchester public for information into what happened that night, as they believe he was targeted due to one of his acquaintances being involved in an ongoing dispute.
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“We know there are people out there who are able to tell us what they know and what they saw all those years ago,” commented Detective Constable Matthew Sharkey, from GMP’s Cold Case Unit, as the appeal for information was reissued.
Police have reissued an appeal for information into the murder of a Denton man nearly 30 years ago / Credit: GMP
“Although it was nearly 30 years ago, you can’t just forget what you saw, it will be playing on the mind of someone who knows something, and I hope their conscience will allow them to speak to us after all this time.
“Please come and tell us the truth. Your information could help a grieving family know what happened to their beloved son and it is never too late to come forwards.”
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DC Sharkey said all of the work the police are doing is to get Paul’s mother to finally see her son’s killer or killers brought to justice, and to help the family finally come to terms with the death of their loved one.
Anyone with information regarding the murder of Paul McGrath is asked to contact GMP’s Cold Case Review Unit direct on 0161 856 5978, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
All information will be dealt in the “strictest confidence”.
Featured Image – GMP
News
You can now have a private tour of Manchester Christmas Markets
Thomas Melia
Every year, Manchester Christmas Markets hosts its almost two-month long residency on the frosty streets of our lively city, but now you can enjoy the cute huts with an unbeatable luxury experience.
Travel agency, Viator, who are directly connected to TripAdvisor, have launched a one on one guided tour of Manchester and its stunning Manchester Christmas Marketsin all their glory.
This private tour of the festivities occurring in the city will last two hours and for the whole duration of your time, a city host will be on hand to offer undivided attention, catering to your every need.
A makeshift itinerary is already awaiting guests and can be tailored according to the individual taking the tour, everything is catered to your preferences.
Anyone who books onto the tour also receives a complimentary hot chocolate and that’s sweetened the deal for me, I’m sold.
How can you go wrong with these incredible options at Manchester Christmas Markets?You can recreate your very own gigantic cheese pull and your local host can snap a piccie.Scrumptious selection of food available as you venture through Manchester Christmas Markets in style.
There’s also the chance to keep your hands toasty with a free cup of mulled wine or a soft-drink for those who aren’t interested in the warm alcoholic beverage.
Manchester Christmas Markets are a phenomenal day or night-out regardless so this latest personalised opportunity will take your festive fantasies to a whole new level.
This private tour provides a one-of-a-kind exclusive treatment making your stroll down Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Square and Manchester Town Hall that little bit more special.
These tours are a great chance to immerse yourself in one of Manchester’s many selling points as you can choose to focus your time around art and culture, fashion, architecture or our personal favourite – food.
This exclusive tour package which highlights the best of Manchester Christmas Markets is definitely a present in itself with tickets costing a hefty sum of £100.
If you want to visit Manchester Christmas Markets while also living the high life with a private tour, ‘Christmas In Manchester: Private Experience With A City Host’ is running all the way until the huts shut shop on 22 December and tickets can be found here.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
21st October 2024 
