TWO men have been found dead in accommodation above a pub in Stoneclough.

The men were found in room above The Grapes, in Market Street, at about 2.15pm this afternoon.

It is understood that the deaths are not being treated as suspicious, with the precise cause still to be established. 

Police are investigating and forensic experts spent hours combing the scene for evidence. 

The Bolton News understands the two men did not work at the pub, but staff at the pub are said to be speaking to police.

The pub was closed while police conducted their enquires, with the curtains of the building pulled across.

Nearby residents gathered around the pub watching police carry out their investigations, and witnesses reported seeing flashbulbs going off in a room on the first floor of the extension on the left-hand side of the pub.

Two Crime Scene Investigation vans and a police van were stationed outside the pub, and the pub manager spoke to police at the scene. 

Witnesses said there were about eight police vehicles there initially, and the police helicopter was seen overhead.

Mark Cannon, aged 54, who lives nearby, said: "This is absolutely shocking. The Grapes is a friendly and quiet pub and we have never had any problems."

Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "This is absolutely horrible news to hear. It's terrible to think that something like this should happen over the pub."


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A police spokesman said: "At about 2.15pm we were called to the Grapes pub in Market Street to reports of two dead bodies being found.

“Officers attended and found the bodies of two men in accommodation above the pub.

“We are in an early stage of an investigation.” 

An ambulance service spokesman said the men were dead when they arrived.

It is not clear whether the men were found dead in rooms attached to the pub or in independent accommodation above it.

No-one from the pub was willing to comment.