Man, 70, wanted over gay village murder
Police have today released a second picture of a man they want to speak to in connection with the murder of a 25-year-old man.
Detectives need to speak to David Broady, 70, in connection with the murder of Craig Douglas.
They and are appealing for anyone who knows of his whereabouts to come forward. Anyone who sees him is asked not to approach him, but call 999 immediately. Police believe he is in Manchester.
Craig Douglas, who was straight, was a father and stepfather. He died on Monday after he was stabbed on Canal Street.
At about 7.30pm that evening, Craig and another man were approached by two men and the four got into an argument on Canal Street close to its junction with Minshull Street and Aytourn Street.
Craig was then stabbed in the neck with a small knife.
He was taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary but died a short time later. A post-mortem examination later revealed Craig, who was not gay, died as a result of a single stab wound to the neck.
Mr Broady is described as white, about 6ft tall, bald and of athletic build. He is thought to be carrying a blue holdall and wearing blue jeans and a zip-up top.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Eckersley, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “I would urge David, if he is reading or hearing this, to contact my officers as soon as possible.
“We believe this will help us piece together exactly what happened on the night Craig was killed. We want to help you. Your family is concerned for you, so please think of them.
“Your wife in particular is desperately worried so please put her mind at rest by coming forward.
“Craig’s family have suffered a terrible loss and are desperate for answers.
“I would urge David to do the right thing and come forward so we can establish the exact circumstances surrounding Craig’s tragic death and move forward with our investigation.
“I would also ask anyone who knows where David may be to contact us. If any members of the public see David, please do not approach him, but call 999 immediately.
“We believe David is in Manchester and is well-known in the city centre.”
DCI Eckersley added police were still appealing for witnesses to the incident.
He added: “I would again stress that athough the attack took place in the gay village, we are not treating this as a homophobic incident. This is a tragic case in which a young man was stabbed and killed.”
A 66-year-old man, arrested on Monday 25 February 2008 on suspicion of murder was yesterday released on police bail until 24 March 2008 pending further inquiries.
A 49-year-old man who was also arrested in connection with the incident has been released without charge.
Inquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding Craig’s death and police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 3540 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
GMP’s Gay Village Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, which is based at the Lesbian and Gay Foundation on Princess Street, can be contacted with information on 0161 856 3277.
The first image of David Broady issued this morning.
