New Bury: 'Caring dad' at centre of murder investigation named

Police were called to Barton Walk in New Bury on Tuesday evening, March 5, to a concern for welfare. 

Upon arrival, they found the body of a 37-year-old man.

Now, he has been named as Graham Cox. 

Bolton Coroners' Court confirmed that the man who died at Barton Walk on Tuesday was Graham Cox, and that his death has been referred to the coroner. 

Following his death, a GoFundMe crowdfunding page has been launched to raise money for his funeral. 

It says: "On Tuesday, March 5 a family's normal everyday life was ripped apart by the devastating news that Graham had been found deceased. 

Police on Churchside, Farnworth (Image: Newsquest)

"Graham came into my life as a teenager nearly 20 years ago with his then partner Sarah.

"They had two beautiful children together who are now without a dad and are desperately trying to understand why this has happened, but also going through their own emotions of having any future with him cruelly taken away from them. 

"Graham was a beautiful young man, a caring Dad, talented DJ and producer, and friend to many." 

To donate to the fundraiser, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/graham-cox 

After they found Graham, police arrested a 34-year-old man on suspicion of murder. 

CSI on scene yesterday (Image: Newsquest)

He has since been released on bail. 

On Wednesday, a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesperson said: "At around 6pm on Tuesday, March 5, officers responded to a report of a concern for welfare at a property in Barton Walk, Bolton. 

"Upon arrival, a man aged 37 was sadly found deceased. A 34-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder. He has since been released on bail.

"A scene remains in place while officers continue with their enquiries. 

CSI could be seen coming in and out of flats on Barton Walk (Image: Newsquest)

"Due to previous police contact with the victim, the incident is currently being assessed by GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate." 

Detective Inspector Stuart Woodhead, from GMP’s Bolton district, said: “I want to firstly reassure the community that we believe this to be an isolated incident and that there is no wider threat to the community.

"We're keeping an open mind as we approach the investigation but are exploring all lines of enquiry.

“Our officers remain at the scene to carry out their work while the investigation progresses. Extra officers will also be in the area to provide reassurance - they will be able to discuss any concerns you may have.

“If you have any information about this incident, please do contact us. You can do this by calling 101 or visiting gmp.police.uk, quoting log number 2634 of 05/03/24. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”