Father, 45, is ‘murdered by burglars who broke into his home and stole family’s beloved white labradoodle dog worth £1,000’

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

Officers were sent to an address in Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe at 10:30am on Tuesday to report that robbers were attempting to steal a white labradoodle.

When searching the property, police found the body of 45-year-old Donald ‘Prentice’ Patience. He was pronounced dead on the spot.

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

The labradoodle – whose puppies can sell for between £700 and £1,500 – was found nearby after a ‘quick response’ from police. It is now managed by the relevant authority, Greater Manchester Police said.

The police were called because of reports of burglars trying to steal a labradoodle from the residence. These labradoodle puppies were pictured on Donald’s Facebook

A post-mortem examination by the Ministry of the Interior revealed that the death of his lord Patience was suspicious. Three men have now been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Following questioning, two men, aged 27 and 41, have been released on bail pending further inquiries, while a 39-year-old man remains in police custody.

A heartbroken relative said their family was left devastated by death. They called on the public for help and wrote on social media: ‘If you know or have seen anything, please contact the police.

“Heartbreaking news for my family this week: you didn’t deserve to have your life taken this way. Fly high Print xx’

Investigators are calling on anyone who saw or heard anything unusual in or around the area earlier this week.

Detective Superintendent Rachel Smith of GMP’s Major Incident Team said: ‘Firstly, as a force, we would like to express our condolences to Donald’s loved ones at this extremely painful time. We’re doing everything we can to get the answers they deserve and find out what happened.

“Since we were made aware of this incident earlier this week, our investigation has been swift and accurate, with three people arrested as a result of our investigation, one of whom was at the scene at the time of the suspected break-in.

“I would like to reassure the local public, as I understand there will be alarm if we learn of this, but we are convinced it is a targeted attack.

“We now want to appeal to the local community for eyewitness accounts or footage of any activity that we may be able to link to this investigation.

“We are also looking for people who may know Donald, have seen him walking his beloved white labradoodle in the area or have any knowledge of any activity at or near his address, an end terrace on Ainsworth Road, since Friday 18th August. 2023.

“It is critical that we have as much detail as possible to find out what happened in this tragic incident where someone sadly lost their life.

“We are keeping open all available lines of inquiry, but no matter how small, your piece of information may be the crucial piece of evidence we need that can help us with this investigation.”

News of the murder sent shockwaves through the community, with people expressing their horror online.

A woman said, “Poor man. Too many of these unspeakable crimes are happening right now.”

Another said: ‘Shocking! God bless you young man RIP’

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

DO YOU KNOW Mr. PATIENCE? EMAIL TOM.COTTERILL@MAILONLINE.CO.UK