A 22-year-old man has been released without charge amid a murder investigation into a man who is believed to have been “stabbed.”

The investigation was launched after police were called to Samuel Street, Atherton were they found a seriously injured 49-year-old man.

Paramedics were called but the man died soon after, while a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been released and faces no further action.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson said: "The thoughts of the entire investigation team remain with the victim’s family at this time.

“We are committed to getting answers for them and establishing what occurred.

“I understand people will be concerned when they hear of news of what has happened, but I would like to reassure you that we have a number of additional resources deployed to identifying the person responsible.

"We are treating this as a murder investigation and it is believed that the man was stabbed.

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“We are carrying out multiple lines of enquiry and are also appealing to anyone with information about this incident to make a report to police.

“This includes anyone who may have relevant footage including CCTV, mobile, ring doorbell or dashcam.

“You can make a report by calling 101, quoting 2727 of 17/11/2023."

Alternatively, witnesses can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.