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
Beloved play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time set to return to the stage in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved stage plays of the 21st Century is returning to Manchester.
Based on the celebrated 2003 novel of the same name that captivated readers worldwide, and inspired a groundbreaking National Theatre production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is returning to one of Manchester‘s most iconic stages in early 2027 as part of a major UK tour.
The new play is adapted from Mark Haddon’s multi-million-selling novel by acclaimed Playwright Simon Stephens, and will be directed by Ned Bennett.
Taking over the Manchester Opera House stage in March 2027, critics have described the production as ‘inventive, gripping, and moving’.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story to create an ‘unforgettable’ theatrical event.
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If you’re not familiar with the plot, the play tells the story of Christopher Boone – a gifted child with a brilliant mind for numbers, but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life.
When a neighbour’s dog is killed, he finds himself under suspicion, but determined to prove his innocence, Christopher becomes both detective and suspect, drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue he uncovers.
What begins as the search for a culprit soon reveals secrets closer to home, ultimately forcing him to confront truths that will test his courage, his family, and his understanding of trust, independence, and the wider world.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“The journey of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been an extraordinary adventure,” commented Playwright Simon Stephens, as the new adaptation was announced this week.
“It has taken me all over the world. From church halls to enormous auditoria, and from school drama clubs to Wembley Way.
“I am thrilled that Christopher Boone is about to head out again through the United Kingdom. He is a boy defined by his determination and his bravery. This feels like a time when those characteristics are more urgently needed than ever.”
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester Opera House as part of its UK tour from Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 March 2027, and tickets go on general sale next Friday (21 November) at 10am.
Manchester set to host five UEFA EURO 2028 matches – including England’s opening game
Emily Sergeant
Manchester has been confirmed to be the host of five matches at the upcoming UEFA EURO tournament in 2028.
This also, crucially, would include England‘s opening match, should they qualify directly.
The joint announcement by Manchester City and Manchester City Council today comes as UEFA has now released key details about the UK & Ireland 2028 competition – which, as it stands, is less than 1,000 days away.
It has been confirmed that the Etihad Stadium – which is known as The City of Manchester Stadium when not relating to Manchester City football club – will host four Group Stage matches across four different groups, offering both local and international football fans the chance to see a range of different national teams in action.
On top of this, Manchester will also be the host a Round of 16 knockout match as the tournament progresses.
UEFA EURO 2028 will kick off at the National Stadium of Wales in Cardiff on Friday 9 June 2028, culminating in the Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 9 July 2028.
Across the UK and Ireland, nine stadiums will host matches during the upcoming tournament – with other northern stadiums including Everton Stadium in Liverpool, and St James’ Park over in Newcastle.
More than three million tickets – as sold by UEFA – are set to be available for the tournament, and more information on this will be issued in due course.
Following an independent assessment, UEFA EURO 2028 is expected to generate up to £3.6 billion in socio-economic benefits for the UK and Ireland between 2028 and 2031, with benefits including job creation, regional growth, and direct spending from international visitors.
The countdown has started in Manchester for #EURO2028!
Five matches are scheduled to be played here – including England's opener if they qualify – and more than 300,000 fans will be welcomed to the city in June 2028.
Emily Sergeant -
21st October 2024 
