Detectives want to speak to two potential witnesses following New Year's Day murder in Rochdale
Detectives in Rochdale are seeking two potential witnesses following the murder of 38-year-old Alberto Ursu on New Year's Day 2025. The incident occurred around 2:30am on Sussex Street and Essex Street, where Ursu sustained fatal knife wounds. Hassan Suliman has been charged with the murder. The two witnesses, seen on CCTV walking past Essex Street around midnight, are not connected to the crime but may have valuable information. Authorities urge them or anyone with details to come forward.
A 38-year-old man died from knife wounds sustained during a street disturbance in Rochdale in the early hours of New Year’s Day, police confirmed.
Emergency services responded to Sussex Street and Essex Street at approximately 2:30am on Wednesday 1 January 2025, where they found Alberto Ursu with severe injuries. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his wounds at the scene.
Hassan Suliman, 30, of Rothesay Terrace, Rochdale, has been charged with murder. The Major Incident Team continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
Detectives have released CCTV images of two potential witnesses they wish to trace. The footage shows a man and woman walking past Essex Street around midnight, heading toward Milkstone Road. The man was carrying an iPad that was knocked from his hands during the incident, which he quickly retrieved.
“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,” said Detective Inspector Paul Davies from the Major Incident Team. “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.”
Police emphasized these witnesses are not connected to the murder but may hold vital information. Anyone with information should contact Greater Manchester Police on 101, quoting incident number 715 of 01/01/2025, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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