Man quizzed over 'gangster' death

Desmond Noonan had convictions for serious criminal offences

Police are questioning a man following the death of Desmond Noonan, who they say was one of Britain's most notorious gangsters.

Mr Noonan was found dead in Merseybank Avenue, in Chorlton, Manchester, on Friday. He had been stabbed to death.

Police say the 45-year-old - who was known as Dessie - had convictions for serious criminal offences.

A TV documentary about his life, in which he boasts of being untouchable, is due to be screened in a few days.

In the documentary, which is broadcast on Five on Tuesday at 2300 GMT, Mr Noonan, who was from the south Manchester area, is also seen boasting about having more guns than the police.

'Roads blocked'

Ch Supt Alan Cooper, of Greater Manchester Police, said the force had placed extra patrols in Chorlton to "reassure members of the community".

He said: "We have already spoken to community leaders and elected representatives and will work with them to overcome any problems this incident may generate.

"There were several roads blocked and other measures put in place while officers conducted the initial stages of the investigation, but these have now been cleared."

Police launched a murder inquiry after finding Mr Noonan's body.

A post-mortem examination was conducted over the weekend and the cause of death established as a knife wound to the abdomen.