MURDER squad detectives are continuing to investigate the death of a man at a house in Whitefield.

Police officers were called to a flat in Abingdon Close shortly before 11.30am on Sunday after a report that a man had been assaulted.

Paramedics had already arrived there and were treating 45-year-old Anthony Joseph Ryan, who was bleeding heavily from a head wound and not breathing. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out, but the coroner was unable to establish the cause of death and more tests will be carried out.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and has been bailed until August 22.

Police officers from Bury CID and forensic investigators remained at the scene all day, cordoning off the property and erecting a tent outside the front door.

Superintendent Phil Owen, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “This investigation is in its early stages and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the Abingdon Close area at about 11.30am on Sunday and who may have seen anything to get in touch.

“I would like to reassure people in the local community that we do not believe this was a random incident. We have placed high-visibility patrols on to nearby streets and we have a team of detectives working to establish the full circumstances.”

Residents in the cul-de-sac looked on in shock as the investigation got under way.

Mr Ryan, who was unemployed, is believed to have lived alone at the property for more than 11 years.

Neighbours said they often saw him sitting outside in the garden, enjoying the sunshine.

Next-door neighbour, Ethel Hope, aged 85, said: “I heard banging and noise next-door, but I often hear noise so I didn’t think anything of it.

“It was only when all the police came that I found out what had happened.”

David Clarkson, aged 53, said: “I woke up this morning, drew the curtains and saw police everywhere. I saw a man being brought out of the house in handcuffs.

“I didn’t know the man who died, but we would chat to each other in the street. He had lived there for a long time.”

Susan Hardman, aged 55, said: “I came home and saw the police everywhere.

“It’s disturbing. It’s terrible that this has happened so close to home.

“The police said I have nothing to worry about, but I still feel scared. I have seen the man sat outside, but I didn’t know him.”

Another neighbour, Jennifer Jamieson, said: “The man lived by himself and didn’t seem to have any family, but he did have a lot of friends coming round.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 8725050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.