The family of a man who was murdered in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, have paid tribute to him, saying he was harmless and loved by all who knew him.
Four boys – a 12-year-old and three teenagers – appeared at Oldham magistrates court charged with the murder of Bradley Moore, 43, on Monday.
Police were called to Ashton-under-Lyne town centre at 10.50pm last Wednesday after a report of an assault. When they arrived at the scene, outside a McDonald’s restaurant, officers discovered Moore with a number of injuries to his head and abdomen.
He was taken to hospital where he died in the early hours of Thursday morning. Two 16-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of his murder on Saturday and a 12-year-old and 17-year-old were detained on Sunday for the same offence. The four suspects cannot be named for legal reasons.
Moore’s family said they had struggled to find the words to describe their loss, but that life would not be the same without him and that they would always love him.
His daughter Alex said: “My dad was a harmless man and was loved by all those who knew him. I will make him proud and I know he will be watching over me, my brothers, Reece and Jack, and my little sister Emma.”
Moore’s youngest sister, Melanie, said: “Bradley was a tough character who led a difficult life at times. For it to be cut short so tragically is truly heartbreaking. At least he can now rest at ease with our mother. May he rest in peace.”
DI John Mulvihill, of Greater Manchester police’s major incident team, said: “This is a tragic case and four young people have been charged in connection with Bradley’s murder. Our investigation remains ongoing and I am continuing to appeal for witnesses that were in or around the McDonald’s on Warrington Street at around 10.30pm on Wednesday 27 July to come forward.
“I would also like to appeal to the driver of a Vauxhall Corsa to come forward, who visited McDonald’s at this time and parked his vehicle on Warrington Street, near to the restaurant. I believe he may have information that will assist this investigation.”
A provisional trial date has been set for January and a plea hearing is scheduled to take place this month.
