Mystery of dead man’s fatal injury

Reporter: Karen Doherty
Date published: 04 April 2016


A MAN found dead at his house in a quiet Mossley street suffered a fatal head injury, a post mortem examination has revealed.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to piece together what happened to 59-year-old Michael David Whittam, whose body was discovered by officers in Moorlands Drive on Wednesday.

They went to the house after concerns about his welfare were reported, and are investigating reports of a possible argument in the house or nearby the previous night.

The semi-detached house and a silver Ford Focus car remains cordoned off and police cars were last night stationed at the front and rear on Huddersfield Road.

Neighbours told the Chronicle of their shock at the death. David Wild said he rarely saw Mr Whittam, who he believed lived alone and worked at the United Utilites treatment works in Mossley. He thought that he had two children, one a doctor.

Det Insp Richard Ennis said: “There are still some elements of the investigation that remain unexplained and as such, we are trying to piece together Michael’s activities in the days leading up to his death and we are asking for the public to assist us.

“We have also been told that an argument, possibly involving two people, was heard.

If you have any information, no matter how trivial, please contact officers.

CAll Ashton police on 0161-856 9262 or through Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.