The family of 30-year-old man who was stabbed to death have described him as 'loving, kind and funny' in a moving tribute.
Tom Williamson was pronounced dead at the scene after police were called to an incident on Charles Street, Tyldesley on Saturday, September 25.
An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and has since been bailed.
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In a statement released through Greater Manchester Police today, Tom's family said: "He was always honest and trustworthy, sometimes too honest. He knew how to make you laugh with his sense of humour and through difficult times, he was caring and supportive.
"He would often keep himself to himself but had recently joined the gym and bought a lovely puppy called Bandit.
"He loved the dog and the dog loved him. He enjoyed going for a walk with him which lifted his spirits, and now this simple everyday occurrence we took for granted is gone.
"Everyone who knew Tom had a story of how kind and brutally honest he could be, which made us all laugh. He touched their hearts with his vulnerability.
"His dad and younger sister are devastated at losing Tom, and they will miss him forever and feel robbed of the time they will not get to spend with him.
"The world will be a much smaller and duller place without you in it, Tom.
"Anyone who knew you will understand the heart-wrenching pain that we are feeling and it will never be the same again without you.”
Police say they are continuing to follow a number of lines of inquiry, and detectives are now wanting to locate the occupants of a silver Chevrolet Kalos that was seen driving past Mr Williamson shortly before the incident occurred.
CCTV images show the car, which has been recovered by police in Platt Bridge, and is being subjected to forensic testing.
Anyone with any information or CCTV or DashCam footage is being urged to contact police either through the online portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP21L18-PO1, by calling GMPs major incident room on 0161 856 6777, or by using our LiveChat service on our website, www.gmp.police.uk quoting log number 280 of 25/09/2021.
People can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
