Murder probe as dog owner found dead after burglars steal labradoodle

Murder probe as dog owner, 45, is found dead after burglars broke into his home and stole his white labradoodle

  • Donald ‘Prentice’ Patience was found dead at his home in Radcliffe on Tuesday 
  • Police had been called to reports burglars were trying to steal his beloved dog  
  • DID YOU KNOW THE VICTIM? Email [email protected] 

Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a man died when burglars tried to steal his beloved pet dog. 

Officers were scrambled to an address in Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe at 10.30am Tuesday to reports burglars were trying to snatch a white labradoodle. 

Upon searching the property, police found the body of 45-year-old Donald ‘Prentice’ Patience. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Mr Patience’s heartbroken loved ones described him as ‘a much-loved son, brother and father and will be sorely missed by many, affectionately known as Prentice.’

Officers recovered the pet dog, which is now being looked after by the relevant authority, Greater Manchester Police said. 

Upon searching the home, police found the body of 45-year-old Donald ‘Prentice’ Patience. He was pronounced dead at the scene

A Home Office post-mortem examination concluded his death was suspicious. Three men have since been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Did you know the victim and his beloved dogs? 

To pay tribute to him, please email [email protected]

After being questioned two men, aged 27 and 41, have been released bailed pending further enquires, while a 39-year-old man remains in police custody.

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual in earlier this week in or around the area.  

Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Smith of GMP’s Major Incident Team 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.

‘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.

Police were called to reports of burglars trying to steal a labradoodle from the home. These labradoodle puppies were pictured on Donald’s Facebook 

‘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.’

Those with details can call police on 0161 856 3635 or 101 quoting incident number 1139 of 22/08/2023 or via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.

DID YOU KNOW MR PATIENCE? EMAIL [email protected]  

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