NEIGHBOURS described their shock as news broke that police had launched a murder investigation in Farnworth last night.

Officers confirmed a man in his 50s had died after an assault near the Bradford Arms, in Buckley Lane at about 6.25pm yesterday.

Officers set up a cordon at the pub and said they are treating the incident as murder.

Police make arrest in Farnworth murder investigation

Late yesterday evening police were seen at a rear entrance to the pub with a crime scene investigator wearing a forensic suit.

A man aged 37 has been arrested in connection with the incident and no one else is thought to be involved.

An eyewitness reported seeing three ambulances and three police cars at the scene just before 7.45pm.

Regulars at the neighbouring Bridgewater Hotel told of their shock over the incident.

One man who asked not to be named, said: “It’s horrible, and so close to home.”

Another customer added: “It’s not very nice, it’s devastating when it happens on your front doorstep.

“We live very locally and it’s horrible, you just don’t expect these things.”

Sam Cross, aged 24, who lives near the pub in Buckley Lane, said: “It’s a massive shock. I’ve only just got home and seen it.

“I’ve had messages from everyone asking if I was all right, you just don’t expect it on your doorstep.”

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And the mother-of-one added: “It’s not very nice, especially with having a little boy who lives here. I’m just glad he’s not here at the moment.”

Another neighbour, Josina Abreu, also told of her horror over the incident.

The mother-of-two said: “I feel so sorry for the person that has died – and scared as well.

“I’m really shocked. I’ve lived here for more than four years and never heard of anything like this happening.”