Murder probe launched after dog owner found dead following theft of his beloved pooch
- 10 months ago
A murder probe has been launched after a dog owner was found dead following the theft of his beloved pooch.
Donald Patience, 45, was found by officers responding to reports of the theft of his white labradoodle.
Greater Manchester Police said officers were called to an address in Bury at around 10.30am on Tuesday to reports of a burglary in progress.
The force said a white labradoodle dog was being taken, but when officers searched the property, they found Donald's body.
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder, police said.
Two suspects, aged 27 and 41, have been released bailed pending further inquiries, while a 39-year-old man remains in custody.
The dog has since been recovered and is being cared for.
In a statement released by police, Donald's family said he was 'a much-loved son, brother and father and will be sorely missed by many'.
Detectives have appealed for information.
DCI Rachel Smith said:"We now want to appeal to the local community for any eyewitness accounts or footage of any activity that we may be able to link to this investigation.
“We are also looking for people who may know Donald, have seen him walking his beloved white labradoodle in the local area or have any knowledge of any activity at or near his address, which is an end terrace on Ainsworth Road, since Friday 18 August 2023.
“It is crucial we have as much detail as possible to help piece together what has happened in this tragic incident where someone has sadly lost their life.
“We are keeping all available lines of enquiry open but no matter how small, your piece of information may be that crucial bit of evidence we need that can help us with this investigation.”
Donald Patience, 45, was found by officers responding to reports of the theft of his white labradoodle.
Greater Manchester Police said officers were called to an address in Bury at around 10.30am on Tuesday to reports of a burglary in progress.
The force said a white labradoodle dog was being taken, but when officers searched the property, they found Donald's body.
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder, police said.
Two suspects, aged 27 and 41, have been released bailed pending further inquiries, while a 39-year-old man remains in custody.
The dog has since been recovered and is being cared for.
In a statement released by police, Donald's family said he was 'a much-loved son, brother and father and will be sorely missed by many'.
Detectives have appealed for information.
DCI Rachel Smith said:"We now want to appeal to the local community for any eyewitness accounts or footage of any activity that we may be able to link to this investigation.
“We are also looking for people who may know Donald, have seen him walking his beloved white labradoodle in the local area or have any knowledge of any activity at or near his address, which is an end terrace on Ainsworth Road, since Friday 18 August 2023.
“It is crucial we have as much detail as possible to help piece together what has happened in this tragic incident where someone has sadly lost their life.
“We are keeping all available lines of enquiry open but no matter how small, your piece of information may be that crucial bit of evidence we need that can help us with this investigation.”