Family of man who died after assault say their world has been 'torn apart'

The family of a man who died after being assaulted in Bolton have paid tribute to him.

Shortly before 12.20am on Sunday 22 July 2018 police were called by the ambulance service to reports a man had been assaulted and was in a critical condition.

Officers attended a property on Brownlow Way, but the 37-year-old man, who was formally identified as Michael Peers, sadly died.

Police believe there was an earlier disturbance involving a group of people, at which point Michael was fatally assaulted.

Three men aged 35, 43 and 58 and a woman aged 50 arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Two men aged 45 and 46 and two women aged 36 and 53 arrested on suspicion of murder have been released with no further action.

Enquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing.

Paying tribute to Michael, his family said: “On Sunday 22nd July 2018 our world was torn apart when Michael was tragically taken from us.

“Michael was a big part of our family and was many different things to different people. To his mum, he was the one who shared the belly laughs. To his sisters, he was a clown and a torment and to his younger brothers he was the protector. He also had a fantastic relationship with Suzy. To his three children he was simply their world.

“Michael loved to cook, sing, and listen to music. He was a Birkenhead lad, brought up during his childhood years by his Nanna Glenn who he adored.

“In his early adulthood, he served in the army and later in life he worked hard to provide for his children.

“Michael will leave a hole in the hearts of his family and his friends, one that will never be filled. He was a huge character and liked by all. Words cannot express how much he will be missed and his senseless death is hard to comprehend.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Daniels of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said “My thoughts remain with Michael’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“Although we have made arrests, our enquiries are very much ongoing and I would ask anyone with information on what happened to please get in touch with police.

“We know that a disturbance took place in the block of flats in the house before Michael died, so it’s really important that anyone who heard this - or saw anything in the early hours of Sunday night- shares this with police. We are also interested in talking to anyone who knew Michael and saw him either on the Saturday or Friday and ask that people get in touch with us to help us build a picture of Michael's activities."

“You can talk to our investigative team on 0161 856 4357 quoting incident number 52 of 22/07/18.”

Any report can be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111