26 August 2023 , 12:41
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A designer labradoodle was taken to a grooming salon hours after being stolen from a home where its owner was murdered, it is alleged.
Dad-of-three Donald 'Prentice' Patience was tragically found dead on Tuesday morning inside his house, which showed signs of being broken into. Officers had responded to reports of a burglary at the property in Bury, Greater Manchester, before declaring the 45-year-old deceased at the scene.
He had been dead for several days, although the cause of death is still unknown and being investigated. A man, named by police as 39-year-old Ian Gary Connell, has since been charged with murder.
He will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court later today. Two other men, aged 27 and 41, have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Donald 'Prentice' Patience was tragically found dead on Tuesday morning inside his house (Greater Manchester Police / SWNS)
The white designer labradoodle is now being looked after by the relevant authority, said police (prentice.patience/Facebook)Officers confirmed that the white labradoodle, which is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, is being looked after by the relevant authority. Locals said the pooch was discovered by police after being taken to a grooming parlour just 160ft from its home, hours after the alleged murder, reports MailOnline.
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The claim comes after Donald’s loved ones paid tribute to their "much-loved son, brother and father", saying he will be "sorely missed by many". They are currently being supported by family liaison officers.
In a tribute posted to social media, Donald's ex-wife Kirsty praised him as an "amazing father" who "adored his children". She wrote: "We are all truly heartbroken at this news and we are all struggling to come to terms with his death.
Donald's ex-wife Kirsty praised him as an "amazing father" who "adored his children" (ENTERPRISE NEWS AND PICTURES)"Thank you for everyone's messages and comments it means a lot to me and the kids and our family." Due to the circumstances in which the man was found, a Home Office post-mortem examination has taken place and concluded the death as suspicious.
Greater Manchester Police said that its major incident team is still investigating the incident. Officers are appealing to the public for anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual earlier this week in and around the area.
Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Smith of GMP’s Major Incident Team earlier said: "First, as a force, we would like to pass on our condolences to Donald's loved ones at this extremely distressing time, we are doing all we can to get the answers they deserve and find out what has happened. Since we were made aware of this incident earlier this week our investigation has been swift and precise, with three arrested because of our enquiries with one at the scene at the time of the suspected burglary.
Floral tributes left near the property (William Lailey SWNS)"I would like to reassure the local public, as I understand there will be alarm when finding out about this, but we are confident it is a targeted attack. We now want to appeal to the local community for any eyewitness accounts or footage of any activity that we may be able to link to this investigation.
"We are also looking for people who may know Donald, have seen him walking his beloved white labradoodle in the local area or have any knowledge of any activity at or near his address, which is an end terrace on Ainsworth Road, since Friday 18 August 2023. It is crucial we have as much detail as possible to help piece together what has happened in this tragic incident where someone has sadly lost their life.
"We are keeping all available lines of enquiry open but no matter how small, your piece of information may be that crucial bit of evidence we need that can help us with this investigation." Anyone with information about the incident or Donald is asked to phone 0161 856 3635 or 101, quoting incident number 1139 of 22/08/2023, or get in touch anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.