Man kicked to death in graveyard as police release CCTV of four men
A man found dead outside a church was ‘kicked in the head’ in a sickening attack, police have revealed.
Steven McMyler, 34, was attacked in the gardens of the Wigan Parish Church on Thursday.
He was found lying on the floor but despite medical intervention, he died at the scene.
Detectives have launch a murder investigation and released images of a group of men they believe ‘may hold significant information’ about his death.
The men are believed to have travelled to Wigan from the Merseyside area.
New CCTV footage released today shows a group of men walking past a Chinese takeaway on Wallgate just moments before Steven was attacked.
Detectives say the group had just got off a train at Wigan Wallgate station and were pictured at Southport railway station earlier that evening.
They walked together into the church grounds where Mr McMyler was later discovered.
The men were then seen to leave the grounds via the gate on the corner of Crawford Street and King Street West.
Anyone with any information about the identity of the men is being urged to contact police.
Officers were called to the church, in Bishopgate, shortly before 7.50pm on Thursday.
An air ambulance had already been sent to the area and paramedics attempted to treat the victim but he died at the scene.
Three men – aged 30, 19 and 18 – were arrested on suspicion of murder and an 18-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
All four individuals have been released on bail under investigation.
Forensic officers could be seen combing the church gardens on Friday. A large cordon was in place with officers guarding all public entrances.
Detective Inspector Wes Knights said: ‘This is a fast-moving investigation and we are quickly piecing together the circumstances of the incident.
‘The public’s response on this so far has been terrific and I continue to encourage them to come forward and provide us with vital information that can ultimately help give Steven’s family and loved ones the answers they so desperately need at this tragic time.
‘A dedicated portal has been set up for the public to share their information with the investigation team and to also view other assets on there that could lead to further useful evidence coming to light.
‘If you recognise the men we are particularly focused on speaking to, or you know any other details can could prove significant in our investigation, I urge you to do the right thing and get in touch.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.