A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man found "seriously injured" in a park in Old Trafford.
Emergency services were scrambled to Penn Park, off Maher Gardens, at about 3pm on Monday, September 12. A man was found with serious injuries, which he is believed to have sustained during a "horrific attack".
He was taken to hospital, where he died from his injuries on Sunday (October 2). Police have now identified the victim as 51-year-old Headley Barry Thomas, known as Barry.
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A murder investigation is now underway and detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward to help "piece together" Barry’s movements in the hours before he was found injured. They also want to speak to a woman who is believed to have found him in the park before an ambulance was called.
Detectives say it remains unclear whether Barry was attacked inside the park or at another location nearby.
Three people have previously been arrested in connection with the attack. A 37-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man have since been bailed by police while a 38 year old man was released with no further action.
Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies, of Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team, said: “Since September, we have been working tirelessly to find the person or persons responsible for this horrific attack which has tragically resulted in a much loved man losing his life.
“We have followed up on a number of lines of enquiry which has resulted in one 37-year-old woman and one 27-year-old man being arrested, both of whom have since been bailed.
"A third person, a 38 year old man, was also arrested and has been released with no further action. However, we still need more information to establish exactly what happened on the day Barry was attacked .
“I’d urge anyone with information, or anyone who may have seen Barry in the hours leading up to the attack, to please get in touch with us as soon as possible, as your information may just help us solve this investigation and get justice for Barry and his family.
“At this stage it remains unclear if Barry was attacked in Penn Park or at another location nearby. We need to piece together Barry’s movements on Monday 12 September between 9am and when he was found at around 2.30pm.
“We are also looking to speak to a woman who it is believed found Barry in the park before the ambulance was called at around 2.30pm.
"She is described as an Asian woman aged between 50-60 years old, wearing khaki coloured clothing. If this is you, please do get in touch with us as you may be able to help us with our enquiries”.
In an emotional tribute issued via police, Barry’s family said: “Our hearts are broken, our world has been altered forever. Forever loved by his family, children, and friends.
“Our brother was prideful, protective, funny, loyal and a caring man with a huge heart to match we are saddened by this news.
“We as a family are searching for answers to this senseless act and to bring closure to a life that's lost”.
Information including photographs and video footage can be submitted through to GMP's portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22M15-PO1.
Alternatively, call police on 0161 856 1995, or the Live Chat service at www.gmp.police.uk quoting log number 1983 of the 12th September 2022. Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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