Neighbours name the man who was stabbed to death in Sale Moor – UPDATE

A murder investigation is underway after a young father was stabbed in the neck after an argument outside his home in Sale Moor.

Police were called to the home of the 34-year-old man in Royton Avenue,  Sale Moor following reports that a  man had been stabbed.

Neighbours have named the dead man as Mike Grimshaw, who was due to be married in three weeks.

The incident happened just after 11 pm last night.  When officers arrived they found the man with wounds to his neck and they administered first aid.  He was taken to hospital where he later died.

Shocked neighbours said he was going to get married in three weeks to the “love of his life” after being in a long-term relationship with his partner.

‘I’m very angry because he has been taken away from us, I just can’t believe that someone who had everything to live for, is  now gone in an instant, Mike was going to get married in three weeks,” said one neighbour.

Another described how they tried to save him. “But there was nothing we could do for him. He had terrible injuries to his neck, It’s such a shock. He was a smashing lad, who would do anything for anyone.  Mike had a young family who he was devoted to.”

”I think he was trying to intervene in an argument when he was stabbed. ”

Forensic officers erected a tent and were searching for clues outside the house in Royton Avenue.

Detective Inspector Mark Astbury said: “Not even 12 hours have passed since this tragic event took place, but initial inquiries suggest the man was beckoned into the road by three other men and a short scuffle ensued before the fatal stab wound was inflicted.

“In the space of minutes, the lives of this man’s family have been turned upside down and his children have been left without a Daddy, so I’m urging anyone who either witnessed the incident itself or has information that would help us, to get in contact.

“We will always treat information in the strictest of confidence and you can pass information to us anonymously but please, do it as a matter of urgency.”

The immediate area is cordoned off and traffic could be affected throughout the morning.

Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference number 2327 of 20/07/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.