Probe launched into unexplained Tameside death
Police are probing the death of an 88-year-old man from Tameside.
Eric Woodward of Green Lane, Hollingworth was admitted into Tameside Hospital on Saturday the 2nd of January, after being found at his home with serious injuries, including a fractured spine, broken ribs and collar bone, and a bleed on the brain.
Sadly Mr Woodward died of his injuries 7 days later.
Staff at Tameside Hospital then raised concerns with Greater Manchester Police that Mr Woodward’s injuries may not have been accidental as first thought.
A Home Office post mortem has not confirmed an assault however the exact cause of Mr Woodward’s injuries could not be explained at this stage.
GMP has launched an investigation into the death to see whether a crime has been committed on behalf of the coroner.
Detective Inspector Richard Ennis of GMP’s Tameside Division said:
“We want to be in a position to give Mr Woodward’s family the answers they deserve, and to do that we need the public’s help.
“We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen Eric Woodward in the days and hours before he was found at his home, so on the latter part of New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and on the morning of 2 January 2016.
“It may be that Mr Woodward sustained his injuries in a completely innocent way, however we will be investigating thoroughly and until we can confirm the cause of his death we will have increased patrols in the area.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 9484, 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.