Eight Arrested Over Rochdale Christmas Day Murder

15 March 2012, 09:21 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Police have arrested eight people this morning, as part of their investigation into a Rochdale murder on Christmas Day.

Officers raided 22 properties in Moston, Moss Side, Fallowfield, Davyhulme, Urmston, Newton Heath, Blackley, Harpurhey, Beswick, Bolton and Hyde.

Eight men aged between 20 and 30 were arrested on suspicion of murder and violent disorder, they are currently in police custody for questioning.

In the early hours of Christmas Day 2011, police were called to Sinclair's Bar on Drake Street in Rochdale, after a large fight broke out.

Officers found 31 year old John Lee Barrett had been stabbed, he died three days later in hospital.

A post mortem concluded he died from a stab wound to the back. Police believe her may also have been hit over the head with a glad or bottle.

Chief Superintendent John O'Hare said: “By conducting this operation, we have sent out a firm message to those who think they can travel across Greater Manchester and commit crime in other areas that we will catch up with them.

“We have demonstrated that if you commit crime as part of a pack, you will be arrested and dealt with as a pack.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Jackson from the Major Incident Team said “The warrants have been part of a lengthy and complicated investigation. Hours of CCTV have been studied and the club has been forensically examined by a team of highly experienced officers.

“However, despite these warrants, the investigation is still ongoing and we are still keen to hear from anyone who was at Sinclair’s Bar on the night of the attack.

“We have interviewed a number of people who have helped us piece together what may have happenedin the early hours of Christmas Day but I would still urge others who we haven;t spoken with to get in touch - your information could be vital.

You can watch the video and see the pictures of the arrest below...