Alberto Ursu, 38, was found with a severe knife wound in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, on New Year’s Day and later died of his injuries as police continue investigations
Police investigating the murder of an “amazing” man killed on New Year’s Day when he was found with a stab wound in the early hours have released pictures of a man and woman they want to speak to.
Alberto Ursu, 38, died in the early hours of New Year’s Day following an alleged disturbance in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. Emergency services were called at around 2.40am on Wednesday, January 1 and found him with a severe knife wound.
A cordon remained in place on the street throughout New Year’s Day with an evidence tent erected and forensics conducting enquiries at the scene, Manchester Evening News reported. Following Mr Ursu’s death, his friend Michelle Elizabeth Blake said: “He was a happy loving man had a good heart. He was kind, caring and very passionate about his children and wife.
“He was the life and soul at parties and was a real good man who would help anyone.” Another friend, Simona Simeonova, described him as an “amazing person”.
Hassan Suliman, of Rothesay Terrace, Rochdale, was later charged with Mr Ursu’s murder, as well as other offences including possession of an offensive weapon and a bladed weapon. The 30-year-old pleaded not guilty to all six charges at Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday, February 10.
After reviewing CCTV footage from the area, Greater Manchester Police have now released new images of two people – a man and a woman – who detectives are eager to speak to. The pair were seen walking past Essex Street towards Milkstone Road at around midnight on January 1.
The man was seen carrying an iPad before it was knocked out of his hand. He was then seen retrieving it later on. GMP says the two people are not connected to the alleged murder of Mr Ursu, but police believe they have potential information that could help with the detailed investigation.
Detective Inspector Paul Davies, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Since we became aware of the incident, we have explored numerous lines of enquiry and during this have identified two people who we believe could be key witnesses. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to reach out to them at present or identify who they are.
“This is why we are doing this public appeal as we want them to come forward to help us and offer any information or detail they may have. We remain focused on bringing the answers his loved ones deserve, and our thoughts and condolences are very much still with them.”
