CCTV clue to killer

Robert Boardman who was stabbed

Detectives are examining CCTV footage in the hope that it will reveal the killer of a 60-year-old Rochdale man.

Father-of-one, Robert Boardman, was fatally knifed just before 2330 GMT on Thursday in Yorkshire Street in Rochdale town centre.

It is believed he encountered his killer shortly after leaving the nearby Regal Moon pub.

The area is heavily covered by CCTV cameras and police are now viewing footage from nearby monitors.

Mr Boardman, who would have celebrated his 61st birthday in a week's time, was taken to Rochdale Infirmary where he died.

In a statement, his family paid tribute to him: "Bob was a wonderful father, husband and granddad and was like a dad to everyone he met.

"The whole family have been left absolutely devastated by what has happened; we are still in shock.

"It would have been his 61st birthday next week, but rather than celebrating we are now left to mourn him.

"Someone out there must know who did this and we ask them to think of his family and to come forward and tell the police what they know."

Blood

His attacker is described as white and in his early 20s and was wearing white tracksuit bottoms and a blue tracksuit top.

Detectives also want to trace a friend in his late 50s to early 60s who he was drinking with earlier in the evening at the Regal Moon Pub in Rochdale town centre.

Mr Boardman encountered his killer shortly after leaving the pub alone.

Police believe the attacker would have had blood on his clothing and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

Detective Superintendent Martin Bottomley, who is leading the investigation today said: "Someone out there knows who killed Bob and I need them to come forward and tell me what they know.

"If you are in any doubt, think of his family who are facing the prospect of spending his birthday and Christmas mourning a popular father, husband and granddad.

"We don't yet know the motive for this attack and are keen to speak with anyone who was in the area around Yorkshire Street at 11.30pm on Thursday who may have seen the argument between Bob and his attacker.

"I also need to talk to anyone who knows Bob and saw him after he left the Regal Moon pub last night. I would urge anyone with any information to contact the Murder Incident Room at Collyhurst on 0161 856 4032 or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."