Murder investigation launched following the death of a man in Old Trafford

It was at around 3pm on Monday 12 September 2022 that police received a report about a man who had been found with serious injuries in Penn Park, close to Maher Gardens in Old Trafford.

The man has been identified as 51-year-old Headley Barry Thomas, known as Barry, was taken to hospital but has since sadly died of his injuries.

Following Barry’s death, detectives have now launched a murder investigation and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies, of GMPs Major Incident Team, said: “Since September, we have been working tirelessly to find the person or persons responsible for this horrific attack which has tragically resulted in a much loved man losing his life.

“We have followed up on a number of lines of enquiry which has resulted in one 37-year-old woman and one 27-year-old man being arrested, both of whom have since been bailed.

“A third person, a 38 year old man, was also arrested and has been released with no further action. However, we still need more information to establish exactly what happened on the day Barry was attacked .

“I’d urge anyone with information, or anyone who may have seen Barry in the hours leading up to the attack, to please get in touch with us as soon as possible, as your information may just help us solve this investigation and get justice for Barry and his family.

“At this stage it remains unclear if Barry was attacked in Penn Park or at another location nearby. We need to piece together Barry’s movements on Monday 12 September between 9am and when he was found at around 2.30pm.

“We are also looking to speak to a woman who it is believed found Barry in the park before the ambulance was called at around 2.30pm.

“She is described as an Asian woman aged between 50-60 years old, wearing khaki coloured clothing. If this is you, please do get in touch with us as you may be able to help us with our enquiries”.

Barry’s family have prepared the following words: “Our hearts are broken, our world has been altered forever. Forever loved by his family, children, and friends.

“Our brother was prideful, protective, funny, loyal and a caring man with a huge heart to match we are saddened by this news.

“We as a family are searching for answers to this senseless act and to bring closure to a life that’s lost”.