Busy street becomes crime scene as one man loses life and another is questioned by murder squad detectives

There's no usual rush of traffic and shoppers on Union Street in Oldham town centre this Saturday. A police cordon lines the stretch as a murder investigation is launched.

Just yards from the cordon, a tram sits in the middle of the road as forensic specialists go about their work. A man has lost his life; another in custody suspected of murder.

At around 4.20am, officers were called to the street following reports a man - understood to be in his 40s - had been knifed. The victim was taken to hospital in a critical condition, but was sadly pronounced dead on arrival.

Detectives from Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team launched a murder probe. They are questioning a man in his 30s on suspicion of murder.

People living nearby watch as quietness consumes the usually-bustling street. On Saturday night - hours before the horrific incident - taxi and cars filled the road as people ventured out for a bite to eat and drinks with friends.

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One man who lives on Union Street told the Manchester Evening News: " It's horrible during the weekend. Monday to Wednesday it’s alright but from Thursday, it’s just a mess. Last night, the street was chock-a-block with taxis and cars, there were people all about. I woke up and saw a cordon around my house, they said someone had been stabbed."

Initial enquiries suggest the victim was stabbed following altercation with a man close to the Light of Bengal restaurant, according to police. A man in his 30s was arrested. He was being quizzed by detectives on Saturday night.

Another man said: "It’s so sad. Imagine just going out to have a good time with your mates and then losing your life."

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