A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man was found dead in Prestwich.

Shortly before 12.30pm this afternoon, police were called by the ambulance service to a flat in Warwick Street, off Bury New Road, where they discovered the body of a man believed to be in his 50s.

A 38-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

A scene remains in place on Warwick Street this evening, and forensics officers have been seen emerging from the flat with bags of evidence.

A woman living in the flats said: "It is shocking that something like this has happened right outside my house.

"I keep to myself around here. Police have been here before, but I did not think it would escalate this much."

Another resident said that police were regularly called to the flats to deal with antisocial behaviour.

Detective Inspector Andy Naismith of GMP’s Bury Division said: “The investigation is in its initial stages and our thoughts are very much with the man’s family at this sad time.

“We are working to find out what happened in the moments before he was found dead, so that we can give his family the answers they deserve.

“We have made an arrest, but our enquiries remain ongoing, and we would urge anyone with information to get in touch with police.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 8564042 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.