Man at centre of Chorlton murder investigation named as stunned neighbours pay tribute

The man at the centre of a murder probe in Chorlton has been named as William Riddell. The 59-year-old was found at a home on Astbury Avenue in the south Manchester suburb just after 11.30pm last night (Sunday, November 10).

Officers flooded the small cul-de-sac - on the Merseybank estate near Chorlton Water Park - after receiving a call regarding a 'concern for welfare'. A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was being quizzed by detectives on Monday.

The man who died has not yet been formally identified, but police believe it to be Mr Riddell, known as Billy to neighbours. His next of kin has been informed.

READ MORE: What we know about Chorlton murder investigation

It is being treated as an 'isolated incident with no wider risk to the community', Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

Stunned locals paid tribute to Mr Riddell as they came to terms with his shock death. One woman, who did not want to be named, said: "He was a good neighbour. He was part of the community. He was a good guy, but he struggled. It's really, really sad.

"I got home from work at about 2.30am and there police everywhere and an ambulance. I had just a gut feeling something awful had happened. He was part of the avenue. It's a really, really quiet avenue.

"We have all lived her for a long time. We looked after him and made sure he was okay. It is a shock. Everyone is feeling it. Everyone is feeling it for Billy."

Another woman said she was alerted by the 'constant noise of sirens and flashing lights', adding: "I know he had health issues, but he was always polite.

"He go to the shop and everyone would say 'hello'. What's happened is really, really sad. I don't know the circumstances, but the whole thing is just so sad."

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