The family of a man who was found dead at a house in Atherton last Friday evening have now paid a touching tribute to him.
It comes after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called reports of a man being unconscious at a property on Samuel Street in the Greater Manchester town of Atherton at around 6:08pm last Friday evening (17 November), and when they attended the scene, they found a 49-year-old who’d sustained an injury described as being “serious”.
Despite the best efforts of the all the emergency services who attended the scene, the man tragically passed away a short time later.
Officers say they believe the man had been stabbed.
With a murder investigation having been launched, and enquiries currently ongoing, the man has now been named as Paul Marsh, and his family have paid tribute to the “unconditionally loved” father.
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The family’s tribute reads: “Paul was our son, brother, partner and father, and he was loved unconditionally. Paul’s death is beyond comprehension, and we cannot believe that he has died in such a violent and tragic way.
“Paul will be remembered for many things not least, his laughter, loyalty, and sense of fun. He will not be forgotten, and our world is a sadder place without him in it.”
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Paul’s family have asked for privacy whilst they grieve for their loss.
Samuel Street in Atherton, where the man was sadly found dead / Credit: Google Maps
Police have also issued a public appeal for information.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson said he understands people “will be concerned when they hear of news of what has happened”, but the force would like to reassure the public that it has “a number of additional resources deployed to identifying the person responsible”.
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“We are treating this as a murder investigation, and it is believed that the man was stabbed, DCI Higginson added.
“We are carrying out multiple lines of enquiry and are also appealing to anyone with information about this incident to make a report to police. This includes anyone who may have relevant footage including CCTV, mobile, Ring doorbell or dashcam”.
Initially, a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, GMP confirmed, but he has since been released andc currently “faces no further action”.
Following this, GMP has now confirmed that a 16-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday evening (19 November), and he remains in police custody for questioning.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP by calling 101 quoting 2727 of 17/11/2023, or alternatively, you can report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Council seized £4.3m worth of counterfeit goods from Manchester’s streets in 2025
Emily Sergeant
A whopping £4.3 million of counterfeit goods were seized from Manchester’s streets in 2025, the Council has revealed.
Now that 2025 has come to end, Manchester City Council has announced that its Trading Standards Team seized and destroyed more than 43,500 counterfeit items in the last year – ranging from everything like fake handbags, trainers, and jewellery, to electronic items, sportswear, children’s toys, sunglasses, and much more.
Through ‘exemplary partnership work’ with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the Council says this criminal industry has taken a ‘substantial hit’ over the past 12 months.
It’s also estimated that the goods seized would have lost the industry up to £43 million.
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, who is the Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council, said the Council hopes this action ‘sends a message that we will not tolerate this harmful trade.’
The Council seized £4.3m worth of counterfeit goods from Manchester’s streets in 2025 / Credit: GMP
“The counterfeit industry was substantially embedded in our communities, but through their diligence and the support of our valued partners we have driven away some of the worst offenders and are beginning the process of regenerating the areas of Manchester that were long blighted by this sort of crime,” she added.
It’s not just counterfeit goods that’ve been targeted either, as a substantial push was also made throughout the year to crack-down on the sale and distribution of illicit tobacco.
In total, 316,625 cigarettes – which is equivalent to nearly 16,000 individual packs – were seized by the Council and police.
258kg of hand rolling tobacco was also seized, as well as more than 18,000 illegal vapes that don’t comply with UK laws or regulations.
Detective Chief Inspector Melanie Johnson, who is the lead coordinator of Operation Machinize for GMP, says the police takes any information it receives about counterfeit trading ‘very seriously’.
“We will continue to investigate all aspects of this criminality to protect our communities from the harms of illegal products.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Oldham Athletic’s next game postponed amid red weather warnings
Danny Jones
Oldham Athletic FC’s next game has been postponed amid red weather warnings, with a frozen pitch having already set in.
We suspect they won’t be the only ones either…
Oldham Athletic were set to take on Notts County FC at home this weekend, with the upcoming fixture set for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, 10 January, but the state of the Boundary Park stadium’s playing surface has already been declared unfit for use.
Informing the fans of the unfortunate decision, the rescheduled date and time for the match remain yet to be confirmed.
Saturday's home fixture against Notts County has been postponed due to a frozen pitch. #oafc
Addressing supporters online, OAFC wrote: “An inspection took place on Thursday afternoon with the pitch frozen following persistent freezing temperatures since our last home game on New Year’s Day and further adverse weather forecast.
“The inspection was called due to persistent freezing temperatures and in anticipation of further adverse weather between now and kick-off. Tickets will remain valid for the rearranged date, and refunds can be claimed after the new date is confirmed.”
As for Notts County, they have also updated their fans on social media.
They have assured that “tickets purchased for this fixture will [also] be valid for the rearranged date” and that “supporters who require a refund will be able to do so after the date for the rearranged fixture is announced.”
Postponement comes amid parts of Oldham, Greater Manchester and other areas across the country being hit with severe weather warnings, which have now been upgraded from an initial yellow rating.
2026’s first named storm, the weather event dubbed by Goretti by the French meteorological service, is set to bring further frosty conditions and blustery winds to us Brits.
The UK received its first snowfall of the year earlier this month, but this next pattern of cold air is set to see even more arrive, with the forecast potentially running into next week.
As for the Latics, the 15th-placed League Two team will have to wait until their ground thaws out to try and make up ground between them and the play-off spots.
Worth keeping an eye on the Met Office if you were planning a trip to the footy over the next few days.
Emily Sergeant -
20th November 2023 
