Murdered Heywood man identified - Lee Pickles

Lee Pickles

Lee Pickles (born 05/02/69) of High Street in Heywood was taken to Fairfield Hospital suffering from a stab wound to his chest. Police launched a murder enquiry after Lee died in hospital on Saturday night.

At approximately 1am on Saturday 3 June police were called to Walton Close after reports that a man had been stabbed.

Two other men, aged 30 and 40, were taken to hospital suffering from cuts to their head. They have since been discharged.

Detectives investigating the murder are continuing to appeal for information.

The offender is described as a white man, 24/25 years old, 5ft 11in tall, with short dark hair. He is said to be of athletic build and had a flat nose.

A 30-year-old man from Heywood has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Sunday 4 June and was questioned by detectives.

Police are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with any information regarding the incident, to contact Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8437 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Lee's family today issued the following tribute to him:

"Lee was outgoing and bubbly. He was popular and had a lot of friends in the area. He was the life and soul of the party and, when he wasn't working, he was out socialising with his mates.

"He had a real passion for football and was a mad-keen Manchester United fan. Since he was 12-years-old he has been going to Old Trafford to watch them play. He was really looking forward to the World Cup starting. He also loved music and was a huge Bob Dylan fan.

"Lee's sons, parents, girlfriend and brothers and sisters will all miss him terribly."

A post mortem examination has revealed that Lee died as the result of a single stab wound to the chest.