Key Points
- Police from Greater Manchester are calling for assistance in locating the next of kin of Peter Bates, 77, of Bolton.
- Bates passed away at his residence in Victoria Road, Bolton, on 22 October 2026.
- The police have stated that there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances involved in the death of Mr Bates.
- The police are attempting to locate any relatives of Mr Bates or any next of kin.
- Those with information are requested to contact the Police Coroner’s Department in Bolton on 0161 856 4687.
- This appeal was made public by The Bolton News on 27 October 2026.
Bolton Police (Manchester Mirror) October 27, 2026 — Police have asked for the public’s help to find the family of a 77-year-old Bolton man who died at home last week.
As reported by The Bolton News, Peter Bates died at his address on Victoria Road, Bolton, on Thursday, 22 October 2026. Greater Manchester Police said officers are now trying to locate any family members or next of kin.
Why are police appealing for information?
Police issued the appeal because they have not yet been able to trace Mr Bates’ relatives. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said:
“Peter Bates, 77 yrs old, sadly passed away at home on Victoria Road, Bolton on October 22, 2026.”
The force added:
“There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.”
The appeal does not indicate that police suspect foul play. Instead, officers are seeking help from anyone who may know Mr Bates or have details that could help identify or contact his relatives.
What do police need from the public?
Greater Manchester Police are asking anyone with information that could help identify or contact Peter Bates’ relatives to come forward. The force has directed potential callers to the Police Coroner’s Office in Bolton.
The contact number provided by police is 0161 856 4687. The Bolton News reported that the appeal was issued after Mr Bates’ death at his home address.
Where did Peter Bates live?
Mr Bates lived on Victoria Road in Bolton. Police confirmed that he died at that address on 22 October 2026.
The Bolton News reported the appeal on 27 October 2026, five days after the death. The report did not provide further details about Mr Bates’ family, personal circumstances, or funeral arrangements.
What happens when next of kin cannot be found?
When police cannot immediately trace a deceased person’s relatives, they may ask for public assistance to identify family members or a next of kin. In this case, Greater Manchester Police said officers are attempting to locate “any family members or next of kin”.
Bolton Council’s guidance states that a relative should normally register a death. If a relative cannot do so, another person may be able to register it in certain circumstances, including someone who was present at the death, an occupier of the building where the death happened, or the person making funeral arrangements.
The council also says deaths are registered at the Register Office in Bolton Town Hall, which is open Monday to Friday from 8.50am to 4.30pm.
Background of the development
The appeal concerns the death of Peter Bates, aged 77, at his home on Victoria Road, Bolton, on 22 October 2026. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances and asked the public to contact the Police Coroner’s Office in Bolton if they can help trace his relatives.
The report was published by The Bolton News on 27 October 2026. It included the police statement and the contact number for anyone with relevant information.
Bolton Council’s coroner service handles matters connected with deaths reported to the coroner in the area. Its public information explains that medical practitioners can refer deaths to the coroner and provides guidance for funeral directors.
Prediction: How this may affect Bolton residents
For Bolton residents, the appeal may encourage anyone who knew Peter Bates, or who has information about his relatives, to contact the Police Coroner’s Office. It may also help ensure that his family can be informed and involved in the next stages following his death.
The development may also prompt local readers to recognise the role of coroner and registration procedures when a death occurs at home. Bolton Council’s guidance indicates that relatives are normally responsible for registering a death, while other specified people may do so in particular circumstances.
For the wider Bolton community, the case highlights how police appeals can assist in locating relatives when no immediate next of kin has been identified. The key practical point for residents is that anyone with information can contact the Police Coroner’s Office in Bolton on 0161 856 4687.
