A tight-knit community has been left in shock after police investigations continued into the discovery of two bodies in neighbouring flats. Police were originally called to an address in Princess Road, Moss Side, at around 4.20pm on Saturday to reports of a woman dead before being called to the neighbouring flat to a concern for welfare of a man just under three hours later.
Both were sadly pronounced dead in their homes. An extensive crime scene investigation by forensic officers has taken place throughout today to establish the circumstances behind the deaths.
The last update issued by GMP in the early hours stated that 'direct third-party physical involvement' had been ruled out and that there was no wider risk to the community. In a statement to the Manchester Evening News this morning, Cadent gas confirmed there were 'no issues' with the gas related infrastructure in either property.
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Floral tributes to the man and the woman were left throughout the day with palpable shock and sadness at both of their deaths. The neighbour who discovered the woman in her flat, as she cooked meals for her on a daily basis, described her as very popular in the tight-knit community.
"Everyone knew her as she would always be sat outside," she said. "People would love coming to talk to her and buying her a drink from the shop.
"We'd had a bit of a party with her the night before (Friday night) outside the shops which is what she loved to do, she would always sit outside. I went to give her some food as I always did and when I saw her I ran out as quickly as I could. I couldn't sleep last night at all I've just still got the image in my head.
"Everyone's so sad, it's just such a shock. She was so popular there'll be loads of people to bring flowers here once the cordon is gone."
The owner of Little Rock who was unable to enter his business while police carried out work, said: "She was always outside having a laugh, everyone knew who she was. When we'd put music on she'd always come down and dance, she was a lovely lady."
Police have not released any details on the cause of death for the man and the woman, with up to six forensic officers investigating the scene on the corner of Princess Road and Bowes Street this morning. Family and friends of each believe the deaths are unrelated.
The brother of the man found in the flat above the Little Rock Caribbean restaurant said they had not been able to contact him for some days, with family breaking into his flat to find him as police and paramedics attended the woman next door. "We're just completely shocked," he said, "we have no idea how this has happened or what's happened, it's just such a shock and so sad."
A private ambulance and two other ambulances arrived at the scene later in the afternoon. The police cordon remained in place while investigations continued.
Latest statements from police and Cadent gas
A police spokesman told the MEN around midday today that post-mortems had not been carried out yet so a cause of death could not be confirmed. More information is set to be released when police 'know more'.
A Cadent Gas spokesman ruled out a gas leak this morning, saying: "Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this. We attended yesterday to check all gas related infrastructure, such as boilers, appliances and the local gas network more generally. We found no issues with those. We have left the scene now, as the emergency services continue to look into all the other possible causes.”
The latest GMP statement came in the early hours of this morning. Superintendent Mark Kenny said: "The deaths may not be connected but at this stage the precise cause of death cannot be established. However, we can rule out direct third-party physical involvement.
"I would like to reassure the community that there is no wider risk at this time. Detectives are now investigating the circumstances to ascertain the cause of death and will remain at the scene while the investigation is ongoing."
