Greater Manchester Police arrested a man on suspicion of murder after Graham Bottomley, 78, was found dead at his home in Whitstable Close, Chadderton. The suspect was also detained on suspicion of aggravated burglary and remains in custody.
Mr Bottomley was discovered at his house in Oldham after what police described as a suspected burglary. His family said they were “absolutely heartbroken following the sudden death of our beloved dad” and added: “We are devastated and still trying to come to terms with what has happened.”
Whitstable Close in Chadderton
The property was searched while Greater Manchester Police investigated a series of aggravated burglaries across Oldham. That wider inquiry places this death within a broader set of crimes police are still examining, rather than treating it as an isolated case.
A force spokesperson said: “Officers are still investigating these incidents and if you feel you have been a victim of this type of crime that may possibly be linked to this investigation, or if you know of anything suspicious that matches these crimes, please get in touch with us.” The family also asked for privacy “at this incredibly difficult time.”
Greater Manchester Police appeal
The police appeal now runs on two tracks: anyone who may have been affected by similar burglaries is being asked to come forward, and anyone who knows of anything suspicious linked to these crimes is also being urged to contact Greater Manchester Police. The case remains open while investigators work through the connection between the suspected burglary and Mr Bottomley’s death.
What happened inside the house is the unanswered point that now sits at the centre of the investigation.
