The horrific murder of a Moss Side dad found dead on the Yorkshire Moors may be linked to a drugs dispute with an Albanian gang, the M.E.N understands.
The body of Rhys Thompson, 29, was discovered on land off Pike End Road in Rishworth, Calderdale, last Thursday after police received a call at 6.40am.
A post-mortem exam revealed he died of serious head injuries caused by a weapon.
Rhys was described by his family as a 'sweet, funny and warm-hearted' man.
Greater Manchester Police have launched a murder investigation and say Rhys and three friends were involved in a 'disturbance' with another group of men on Delaunays Road, Crumpsall, at 3.40am.
The Manchester Evening News understands the main line of inquiry is that the disturbance was a failed attempt to 'tax' a cannabis farm controlled by an Albanian gang.
It is believed Rhys was caught while attempting to flee in a white van that was parked on Delaunays Road.
Sources told the M.E.N it is believed violent offenders linked to the Albanian gang attacked the van with poles.
Pictures taken shortly after the incident show a white van abandoned in the road with its front window and driver side window smashed.
The keys were still in the ignition, it is understood.
Sources told the M.E.N Rhys did not have a significant criminal history.
Paying tribute to him, his family said: "Our beloved son, Rhys Thompson, was our everything.
"A sweet, funny, warm-hearted man, a fantastic brother, devoted father, loving boyfriend and respectful loyal friend.
"Rhys had the biggest heart and loved his family and friends dearly. He would always help when he could, he was a beautiful soul. We all miss him terribly; he did not deserve to be taken so soon.
"We are heartbroken; his loss will change our lives forever. We cannot imagine a future without him."
Detectives have so far arrested four men on suspicion of murder who were spoken to in custody on Sunday, 16 May and have since been released under investigation.
Extensive enquiries, including meticulous CCTV work, is ongoing and a dedicated incident portal has been formed for anyone with information, images or video content to upload as part of the investigation: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP21A45-PO1.
Investigators are particularly interested to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard a disturbance in the Crumpsall area or near Pike End Road, Rishworth, in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Superintendent Helen Critchley, of GMP's City of Manchester division, said: "This is a seriously complex investigation which involves detectives pursuing several lines of enquiry and we are making sure that we are doing all we can to get answers for Rhys's family.
"It is absolutely vital that anyone with even the slightest bit of information contacts police, particularly for members of the public in the Crumpsall area that may have heard a disturbance in the early hours of Thursday morning - this is believed to have pertinent links to the ultimate discovery of Rhys's body a few hours later in Rishworth.
"There has been an increase in police presence in the Moss Side and Crumpsall areas since this fatal attack and this will continue to take place to reassure the community.
"All our thoughts are with Rhys's family at this extremely difficult time and we are doing all we can to get them the answers as to how their loved one was so tragically taken from them."
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4815 quoting Operation Linnett. Details can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Information and media material can be uploaded to the dedicated MIP portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP21A45-PO1
