Key Points
- Nathan Haigh, aged 31, was found to be unconscious at a flat in Great Howarth, Rochdale, on Tuesday 11 August 2026 and was later pronounced dead.
- Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has opened a murder inquiry and arrested a woman, aged 37, for the murder of which she is currently in police custody.
- Georgina Fearn, Detective Inspector of Rochdale CID, stated that police are working on different leads in what seems to be a case of suspicious nature at the moment.
- Police further stated that there is no threat to anyone else in the community and the next of kin of the deceased have been notified.
- The mother of Mr Haigh, Keeley Greenwood, paid her homage on Facebook and created a GoFundMe page for helping arrange the funeral of her son.
- The matter has been sent to Rochdale Coroners’ Court and an inquest will be held soon.
- Those with any information should come forward and contact GMP through 101 or Crimestoppers through 0800 555 111 with reference to log 3306 of 11/08/26.
Rochdale Crime (Manchester Mirror) August 13, 2026 – A murder investigation is under way in uk/local/rochdale/">Rochdale after a 31-year-old man was found dead at a property on Great Howarth and a 37-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder, according to reports from the Manchester Evening News and Rochdale Times. Emergency crews were called to the address just before 7.40pm on Tuesday 11 August, where they discovered the man unresponsive inside the property. Paramedics attempted to save him but he was pronounced dead a short time later.
As reported by journalists at the Manchester Evening News, Greater Manchester Police confirmed that detectives are exploring several lines of enquiry in what initially appear to be suspicious circumstances. A 37-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning, the force said. Police have stated that there is not believed to be any risk to the wider public.
Who was the victim in the Rochdale murder investigation?
The man who died has been named by his family as Nathan Haigh, who was found unresponsive at a flat on Great Howarth, near Wardle, on the outskirts of Rochdale. Neighbours told the Manchester Evening News that forensics officers were seen examining the ground floor flat where Mr Haigh is thought to have lived. It is understood he had no children, had previously worked as a roofer, and had lived on the estate for around 20 years.
Mr Haigh’s mother, Keeley Greenwood, paid tribute on Facebook, writing:
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share the heartbreaking news that my beautiful son, Nathan Haigh, tragically passed away on 11th August 2026.”
She added that the family was trying to raise funds to give Nathan “the send off he deserves” and thanked people for their kindness, love and support. Friends and neighbours posted messages including “RIP Nathan Haigh” and “RIP Nathan” in response.
What have police said about the suspicious death in Rochdale?
Detective Inspector Georgina Fearn, of Rochdale CID, said:
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased. Specialist officers are available to support them.”
She added:
“An investigation has been launched and whilst we currently have a woman in custody, we are conducting enquires to establish the circumstances which have led to this tragic incident.”
DI Fearn also addressed community concerns, stating:
“We understand that an incident of this nature may cause concern within the community however we believe there is no wider risk to the public.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the man’s next of kin had been informed.
How can the public help the Rochdale murder inquiry?
Greater Manchester Police have asked anyone with information to come forward to assist the investigation. Members of the public can contact police on 101 or via Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3306 of 11/08/26. Information can also be given anonymously by using the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
On Thursday afternoon, the investigation continued with a police officer standing guard at the entrance to the block of flats on the estate near Wardle, according to the Manchester Evening News. A spokesperson for Rochdale Coroners’ Court confirmed a file had been received in relation to the case and that an inquest would open in due course.
Background to the development
The death of Nathan Haigh marks another serious incident in Rochdale that has prompted a murder inquiry by Greater Manchester Police. In recent months, Rochdale has seen other high-profile investigations, including the death of a woman in her 40s on Tweedale Street in May 2026, which led to a murder arrest, and a fatal fire at Higher Tunshill Farm in Milnrow in July 2026, which was initially treated as murder before police said there was no third-party involvement. The current inquiry on Great Howarth is being treated as suspicious from the outset, with detectives working to establish the full circumstances.
Prediction: how this development could affect the local community
The launch of a murder investigation in a residential area such as Great Howarth is likely to heighten concern among local residents, at least in the short term. However, police reassurances that there is no wider risk to the public may help to limit longer-term anxiety if no further arrests or incidents emerge. The presence of forensic officers and a continued police cordon can also affect day-to-day life for neighbours, while the public appeal for information may encourage some residents to come forward with details they consider relevant. Over time, the outcome of the inquest and any subsequent court proceedings will shape how the community understands the incident and could influence perceptions of safety on the estate.
