THE investigation into the suspected murder of a man outside a pub continues as police vowed to 'give the victim's family answers'.

The Bradford Arms, in Buckley Lane, Farnworth remained cordoned off throughout today after the man died on Tuesday evening.

Police were called to the pub after receiving reports of an assault at around 6.30pm.

The ambulance service also attended and a man in his fifties was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and was in policy custody for questioning.

The victim is believed to have been an employee at the pub but has not yet been officially identified as police work to inform his next-of-kin.

Police said they believe the man was assaulted outside the pub and are appealing for information as the investigation into what happened continues.

Detective Inspector Dave Meeney, from GMP's Major Incident Team, said: “Specially trained officers are supporting the family who are understandably devastated by this tragic loss.

“This is the very early stages of a murder investigation and even though we have one man in custody, our enquiries do not stop here.

“We believe the victim was assaulted outside the pub and we are keen to speak to anyone who saw anything tonight or has any information about what happened."

Officers were stationed outside the pub into this afternoon and forensics teams also returned to the scene after working through the night.

An officer in a white suit was seen taking pictures of the front of the pub and also of a beer garden around the side of the building.

The officer also went round the back of the premises.

Detectives also visited the scene and have also been going door-to-door to try and gather information.

The Trust Inns, the pub's brewery, said that it was carrying out its own investigation into the incident, but would not comment further.

DI Meeney said: “A forensic team will remain at the scene while officers will also be speaking to residents in the area.

“We will do everything to get to the bottom of what has happened and give this man’s family the answers they deserve.”

Anyone with any information is urged to call police on 101 quoting incident number 1715 of Tuesday 24 October. Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.