Man in his 70s found dead during Oldham burglary probe, suspect arrested for murder
A man in his 70s was found dead at a Chadderton address as detectives investigated a series of burglaries in Oldham. A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Murder inquiry opened after body found at fifth burglary address in Oldham
A man in his 70s was found dead at a property on Whitstable Close in Chadderton, Oldham, after detectives visited the address as part of an ongoing burglary investigation, manchestereveningnews.co.uk reports.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had already arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of aggravated burglary on Saturday, 7 November 2026, following a series of four linked house raids in which a suspect had demanded bank cards and PIN codes from householders. The arrest prompted detectives to attend a fifth address believed to be connected to the same series.
When officers searched the Whitstable Close property, they discovered the man deceased. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. GMP said the incident at the address is believed to have occurred between Wednesday, 4 November and Saturday, 7 November 2026. His death is being treated as suspicious, and the arrested man now also faces a suspicion of murder.
The burglary series spans from January to March of this year, with a further linked incident in October. In each case the suspect is alleged to have entered or attempted to enter victims' homes before demanding bank cards and PIN codes, according to GMP.
Detective Superintendent Amber Waywell said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with the gentleman who has sadly died and with his family and loved ones at what will be an incredibly difficult and distressing time."
Waywell added that the investigation remains "complex and developing" and that officers are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the man's death. She praised the "outstanding work" of detectives and expressed gratitude to members of the public who had responded to recent media appeals, describing the information received as "invaluable".
On the broader threat posed by the series of offences, Waywell said: "Protecting our communities and safeguarding vulnerable people remains an absolute priority for us. We understand the concern incidents of this nature can cause, particularly when offenders are accused of targeting elderly people in their own homes. Let me be clear: we take offences like these incredibly seriously, and we will not tolerate those who seek to prey on vulnerable members of our communities."
GMP is appealing for anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a connected offence, or who has relevant information, to contact the force. The dedicated line is 0161 856 9577, quoting log number 2908 of 30/10/2026. Information can also be submitted via www.gmp.police.uk, or passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)