Man held in hunt for hobo killer

MURDER scene: police investigate at Partington Street.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody for questioning following the discovery of a homeless man’s body at a derelict warehouse in Oldham.

The Evening Chronicle revealed on Tuesday that police had cordoned off Partington Street at 6.45am that morning after the body was found.

A Home Office post-mortem examination was then carried out, which has now revealed that the man had died from multiple injuries.

He has been named as Matthew Alexander Barrett (38), who is believed to be homeless and living rough in the Oldham area.

The Chronicle understands his injuries were to the chest and head, though police would not speculate as to whether a weapon had been used. Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team are now investigating and inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

Det Chief Insp Pete Jackson, from the Major Incident Team, said: “The small disused warehouse where Matthew was found is believed to be somewhere he had been sleeping.

“We are asking for people that have any knowledge about what has happened to come forward and speak to us to help with our inquiries.

“It is not believed that Matthew had any relatives, but we are also appealing for anyone that may have known him to get in touch.”

The location is next to Oldham’s Wallshaw Street bus depot at Mumps.

Local workers stood and watched police as their work places were in the investigation zone.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Major Incident Team on 0161-856 3691 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.