A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man died following a 'shocking' attack.

Police were called to Masefield Drive, Farnworth, at 5.50pm on Friday, June 9 to reports that a man had been assaulted.

Officers attended and established that a 43-year-old man had been picked up in a car and driven to Century Mill, in nearby George Street, and was assaulted by a group of men before being returned to Masefield Drive.

The assault took place at around midday.

The man was taken to hospital for treatment and left hospital on Saturday but was readmitted two days later and died on Tuesday.

Police have now launched a murder investigation.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody for questioning.

There has been a large amount of police activity in the area near the mill and Masefield Drive since the man’s death.

On Tuesday, police cordoned off the churchyard of St James’ Church, St James Street, and crime scene investigation was carried out.

A number of photographs were taken of the churchyard with officers stationed at all of the entrances.

The cordon was lifted at around 11pm on Tuesday.

Officers also cordoned off an area behind the mill at around 8pm on Tuesday where forensic work was carried out throughout Wednesday.

This cordon contained a caravan and a black BMW but it is not known if these vehicles are significant in the investigation.

On Wednesday, a third area was cordoned off in Farnworth, in Ramsay Avenue, across the road from the mill.

There was a large police presence in the street and crime scene investigators and tactical aid units searched a house.

Officers were seen removing a number of items from the property.

Several officers were working both inside and outside the property as part of the investigation.

The cordon at the house had been lifted yesterday but two police cars were seen parked outside.

The cordon behind the mill has also been lifted.

Officers were seen going door-to-door in Tennyson Road, near Masefield Drive, on Tuesday and Wednesday speaking to residents.

Police have issued an appeal for information and witnesses.

Detective Inspector Cheryl Hughes, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Firstly, I want to say that my thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time after such a shocking attack.

“We are determined to bring these violent criminals to justice. This incident happened in broad daylight – the offenders picked the victim up and then returned him with serious injuries, to a residential area - so someone must have seen something.

“If you did witness the incident or you think you might know those responsible then I urge you to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 and quote reference number 515 of June 13 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.