A murder investigation has been launched in Royton, Oldham, after a 48-year-old man was found dead in a flat on Sunday morning.

Emergency services were initially called shortly before 10:30 a.m. following a report of a concern for welfare at a property on the corner of Salmon Fields and Higginshaw Lane. Upon arrival, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning.

Detectives and forensic investigators were present at the flat throughout Sunday as enquiries continued to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

Police also increased patrols in the area to reassure residents, while officers maintained a guard outside the entrance to the block of flats.

Detective Inspector Rachel Smith of GMP’s Major Incident Team said the force’s thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones and reassured the community that the incident is believed to be isolated with no wider threat to the public.

Neighbours expressed shock at the development, describing the area as a decent place to live.

One resident said she saw the suspect moving in and out of his kitchen between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., before later witnessing his arrest around 11:00 a.m., adding that he had always appeared friendly and well-known in the neighbourhood.

It is believed the victim and the suspect may have lived together in the first-floor flat.