Family pay tribute to man killed in attack

At around 11:45pm on Wednesday (May 4), police were called by the ambulance service to Railway Road, Leigh as they were treating a man who was in a life threatening condition.

He was subsequently taken to hospital where he tragically died a short time later.

The man has since been formally identified as 50-year-old Edward Wood.

Paying tribute to him his family said: “We are deeply saddened with the tragic and meaningless loss of Edward.

“He was a much loved son, dad, brother and uncle. The tragic news we learned of on Thursday has shocked us as a family.

“Edward lived alone in Leigh and had a special bond with his mother Lois with whom he spent a great deal of time. We are all coming to terms as to why Edward lost his life in such a mindless attack.

“Edward was a dad of two, Ryan and Daniel, and had just learnt he was to be a grandad later this year and was really looking forward to it. This news had given him a new spring in his step and he was excited about the future.

“We would like to thank everyone for all the kind messages of support we have received at this very sad time and also send our appreciation to those involved in bringing the perpetrators of this vicious attack to justice.”

Further enquiries into Edward’s death have revealed that he was attacked by a group of people and had personal items stolen from him some time prior to the ambulance service attending.

The attack is believed to have happened at around 11:00pm and took place close to the Oceans 11 chip shop on Railway Road.

Police are continuing to appeal for information and so far four men aged 31, 28, 46 and 38 have been arrested in connection with Edward’s murder. They have all been bailed pending further enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Jane Little of GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “This was an innocent man who was not causing anyone any problems and was attacked and left to die in the street.

“Edward’s death has left his family absolutely devastated and we continue to have specially trained officers providing them with support at this difficult time.

“We are dedicated to bringing the perpetrators of Edward’s murder to justice and I would like to appeal directly to the local community in Leigh and ask them to please contact police with any information they think may assist with our investigation.

“Leigh is quite a tight-knit area and we believe that the answers may lie within the local community.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 8797 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.