A ‘tool thief’ has died after an alleged struggle with two neighbours who confronted him when he tried to steal tools on a street blighted by thefts.
The man, named locally as Jordan Higham, was found in an ‘unresponsive’ state by officers in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Lancashire, on Monday, and later died at Wigan Infirmary.
Two men aged 27 and 24 were arrested on suspicion of murder but were later released under investigation.
News of the death quickly flooded social media, with many tributes and messages of condolence being posted.
The man, named locally as Jordan Higham, died in hospital after being detained by residents in Nicol Mere Drive (pictured), in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Lancashire
The exact circumstances that led up to the 20-year-old man’s death are unconfirmed, say police.
But locals say, Mr Higham, who worked at Reilly Concrete Pumping, was confronted over stolen tools.
Police were called to Nicol Mere Drive, in Ashton-in-Makerfield, at around 3.15am on Monday to reports that a man was being held after alleged thefts from vehicles.
The man, believed to be in his 20s, was found unresponsive when officers arrived at the scene minutes later and was taken to hospital where he passed away.
Detective Superintendent Joanne Rawlinson of Greater Manchester Police said: ‘My thoughts are with the family of this man at this extremely difficult time.
‘This investigation is currently in its very early stages and we are working hard to understand the exact circumstances that have led to this man’s death.
‘I would like to reassure the local community that we have a dedicated team of detectives working on this investigation and we are treating this as an isolated incident.’
Tributes poured in for Mr Higham on social media.
Bobby Pilling New wrote on Facebook (sic): ‘No ma4tter what anyone says, yeh it’s wrong what he’s been doin but no1 deserves that R.I.P Jordan Higham.’
Mr Higham’s body was found on Monday, and he later died at Wigan Infirmary (pictured)
Mike Fairhurst added (sic): ‘RIP Jordan Higham taken far too soon, you didnt deserve to go the way you did. Sleep tight mate.’
Kian Johnson said (sic): ‘Rip Jordan Higham no one deserves to die young, not to be forgotten.’
Cj Cross added (sic): ‘RIP jordan Higham took far too soon see you on the other side mate.’
Formal identification of the dead man has not yet taken place.
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.