A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man was stabbed in a shop.

Police were called to Ainsworth Road, in Radcliffe, shortly before 7.30am this morning to reports that a man had been stabbed inside the Premier shop.

A 43-year-old man, who was not a staff member at the shop, was taken to hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Residents said they believed the victim had been trying to prevent an armed robbery at the shop.

Police say the murder suspect, who is thought to have fled the scene in a car, was involved in a collision with a number of cars further down Ainsworth Road, close to the junction with Wilson Street.

An immediate search of the area was carried out and a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

He remains in custody for questioning.

Two women, aged 29 and 30, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

A large section of Ainsworth Road, around the Premier store, remains taped off while enquiries are ongoing.

A heavy police presence was in place at the scene throughout today, including crime scene investigation officers, who were seen working inside the shop.

A second cordon is also in place further down Ainsworth Road, where the collision took place.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Wilkinson of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “As our enquiries into how this man came to lose his life continue, my thoughts remain with his family.

“Specialist officers have been speaking with the local communities and reviewing CCTV footage as part of their investigation.

“We will continue to be in the area over the coming days, and I’d urge anyone who may have information about this devastating incident to please speak to our officers directly.”

Chief Inspector Phil Spurgeon, of GMP’s Bury borough, added: “An innocent man’s life has been cruelly taken away and we have specialist officers supporting his family at this unimaginably difficult time.

“My thoughts are with this man’s family and we are determined to get them some answers.

“Our investigation is in its very early stages and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it might be, to please get in touch as soon as possible.”

The stabbing happened before a lot of residents in the area had woken up.

One resident, who lives in nearby Alma Street, said: “My mate rang me up and said there had been an armed robbery at the shop.”

The incident has caused considerable disruption to traffic in the area, with vehicles being diverted around the cordon.

Radcliffe North councillor Jamie Walker tweeted: "My heartfelt condolences go out to the family & friends of the innocent man, who's life was so sadly taken this morning in such awful circumstances.

"A man has been taken in to custody, but I urge anyone with any info re Ainsworth Rd to contact the police asap on 0161 856 8172."

Anyone with information should call police on the above number, quoting reference number 436 of 15/08/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.