Man arrested on suspicion of murder of ex-Oldham forward

A erstwhile rugby convention subordinate whose decease has prompted a execution investigation was "a well-known look passim nan organization game", according to 1 of nan clubs he played for.

The assemblage of a man, named locally arsenic 50-year-old Mick Martindale, was discovered astatine a spot successful Eldon Street, Oldham, astatine astir 19:50 BST connected Saturday, said Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

In a tribute posted connected societal media, Oldham Rugby League Football Club said he wore nan Roughyeds' garment "with pride" successful nan precocious 1990s.

GMP said it had arrested a 64-year-old man connected suspicion of execution and that he remained successful custody.

GMP said Mr Martindale's origin of decease had not yet been determined.

His family are being supported by master officers, said a unit spokesperson.

The Roughyeds said their erstwhile player, who besides coached astatine Oldham St Annes, was a celebrated look wrong nan sport.

Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust said Mr Martindale was portion of nan Roughyeds squad erstwhile nan nine reformed.

They said his "powerful framework and skilful hands saw him airs an attacking threat each clip he had nan ball".

The spot said Mr Martindale made his debut arsenic a teen astatine Halifax Panthers and past had a spell astatine Wakefield earlier arriving astatine Oldham successful clip for nan 2nd competitory lucifer of nan 1998 play against Widnes Vikings.

Mr Martindale played 26 games for Oldham that year, including successful nan last of nan Trans-Pennine Cup against Batley, and scored 7 tries earlier moving to Rochdale.

"He later helped Oldham St Annes to triumph nan National Cup and has remained celebrated and a well-known fig successful nan amateur game," nan spot added.

"A larger-than-life characteristic gone acold excessively soon."

Det Insp Andrew Barrett, from Oldham CID, has urged anyone pinch immoderate accusation astir Mr Martindale's decease to interaction GMP.