Family pays tribute to Wigan churchyard attack victim Steven McMyler

Distraught loved ones of a Wigan dad kicked to death in a churchyard have spoken of a "likeable lad" with a "heart of gold."
By Charles Graham
Published 12th Aug 2020, 07:32 BST
Updated 12th Aug 2020, 10:02 BST
Steven McMylerSteven McMyler
Steven McMyler

Steven McMyler was found fatally injured in the grounds of Wigan Parish Church after a vicious attack last Thursday evening.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the 34-year-old, sadly, passed away at the scene and a murder investigation was launched.

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Paying tribute to him in a statement released through Greater Manchester Police on Wednesday, his family said: “Steven was an extremely likeable lad, and everyone who came across him loved him as much as we all did.

Some of the floral tributes left at the scene of Steven's deathSome of the floral tributes left at the scene of Steven's death
Some of the floral tributes left at the scene of Steven's death

"He was a popular lad, and he lit the room up as soon as he walked in.

“Everybody thought the world of him, as he had a heart of gold.

We can’t believe what has happened, and we are struggling to come to terms with this terrible tragedy. As a family, we would appreciate some privacy at this devastating time.”

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Anyone with any mobile or local CCTV footage of the incident - which happened shortly after 7.50pm on Thursday August 6 - or of other suspicious activity in the area that night can upload media to https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4z0iy2ckk0blkms/AACqaid19ZEML9CrQOdyFLhNa?dl=0.

Police would like to speak to these young men caught here on CCTV in Wallgate, WiganPolice would like to speak to these young men caught here on CCTV in Wallgate, Wigan
Police would like to speak to these young men caught here on CCTV in Wallgate, Wigan

Footage and images relating to the incident are available for the public to view on the Major Incident Team’s online portal via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP20L15-PO1.

Three men – aged 30, 19 and 18 – were arrested on suspicion of murder and an 18-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All four were later released on bail under investigation.

Police are now continuing to work to identify four men they would like to speak to about the attack.

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They released images of the men over the weekend, which have been shared widely on social media, and received a good response from people who believed they knew who they are.

The men were pictured on the platform at Southport railway station on Thursday and then walking past a Chinese takeaway on Wallgate, in Wigan, just moments before the attack.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4815 quoting incident 2974 of 06/08/2020. Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Steven’s sudden death has left a community in grieving and thousands of pounds have been donated to an online appeal to help pay for his funeral.

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It was set up by Megan Woodham, who said she wanted his family to be able to give Steven “the best send off and the send off he truly deserves”.

Steven, who lived in Wigan, was due to go on holiday to Tenerife with his partner Alex Hughes on Friday morning, but instead she discovered he had died.

In a moving tribute on Facebook, she said: “Thank you for the last 12 months of my life. I know recently we had our ups and downs, but my god we had some laughs.

"My best mate, and I’m sorry that this has happened, you’ll always have a special place in my heart.

"And I promise to always be there for your family and friends, and little girls.”

Donations to help pay for Steven’s funeral can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/steven-mcmyler.