Tributes to man who died outside Wigan Parish Church as murder probe continues

Emergency services were called to the church grounds at 7.50pm on Thursday amid concerns for a 34-year-old man, but he could not be saved and died at the scene.

A murder investigation was launched, with four people being quizzed by police in connection with his death.

The man has now been named locally as Steven McMyler.

In a moving post on Facebook, his partner Alex Hughes said they were due to go on holiday to Tenerife today, but instead she found out he had died.

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."

Other people also took to Facebook to pay their respects.

Katy Evans said: "What a sad day. someone you’ve known ur entire life that’s lived literally doors away from you as a kid, literally grown up with them all through ur childhood just awful and heartbreaking. Just gone like that, taken far too soon fly high Steven Mcmyler as I would know you mackin."

Kirsty Foster said: "Such a cruel world we live in! Rest in peace Steven Mcmyler. One of a kind."

Paula Wilkie said: "Devasted beyond belief, what's going on in this world or even this town at the moment. My sincere condolences go out to all your family at this tragic time RIP Steven Mcmyler."

Fallon Pugh said: "Cannot believe wot iv just heard rip Steven Mcmyler top guy gone to soon thinking for all ur family "

Richard Lamb said: "R.i.p Steven Mcmyler top lad alway had a chat when i saw him thoughts go to his family what is this world coming to."

Detectives are continuing to investigate Steven's death and believe it may have followed an earlier altercation.

Three men – aged 30, 19 and 18 – have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody for questioning.

An 18-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Police want any witnesses to contact them "as a matter of urgency", particularly anyone who saw a group of men acting suspiciously near the church between 7pm and 7.30pm on Thursday.

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 856 4815, quoting incident 2974 on August 6, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Related: Witnesses asked to call police 'as matter of urgency' as they investigate murder outside Wigan Parish Church