Thousands donated to help pay for funeral of man killed outside Wigan Parish Church

More than £2,000 has been donated so far in memory of Steven McMyler, 34, who died on Thursday evening in the church gardens after being attacked.

Organiser Megan Woodham, who set up the online appeal, wrote: "Steven McMyler was tragically murdered and trying to raise money to take financial pressures off a family who are grieving for the loss. Let’s give him the best send off and the send off he truly deserves. Sleep tight Steven x"

Shortly before 7.50pm on Thursday, police were called by the ambulance service to reports of concern for a man outside the church on Bishopgate.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Steven, who lived in Wigan, died at the scene and a murder investigation was launched.

Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding his death are ongoing, but initial findings by the police indicate the incident occurred following an earlier altercation.

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. They have all since been released on bail under investigation.

Police are continuing to appeal for help to identify four men they would like to speak to about Steven's death.

They released images of the men over the weekend, which showed them at Southport railway station and walking along Wallgate on Thursday.

Anyone with information about what happened to Steven is asked to call police on 0161 856 4815, quoting incident 2974 of August 6, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Donations to pay for his funeral can be made hereRelated: More images of men detectives want to speak to about murder outside Wigan Parish Church