Rochdale Death Investigation: Murder Ruled Out as Police Await Post-Mortem Results
Greater Manchester Police have formally ruled out murder as a line of enquiry in the death of 31-year-old Nathan Haigh, whose body was discovered at a flat in Rochdale on the evening of August 11. The development marks a significant shift in an investigation that initially treated the circumstances as suspicious.
Emergency services were called to a ground-floor property on Great Howarth, near Wardle, at approximately 7.40pm last Tuesday. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Mr Haigh was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. A 37-year-old woman was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder as detectives pursued several lines of enquiry.
What led police to rule out murder?
In a statement issued this evening, Wednesday August 19, the force confirmed that following extensive enquiries, murder has been eliminated as a line of enquiry. The woman arrested has been released but remains on bail in connection with an assault allegation. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Haigh's death pending the full results of the post-mortem examination.
Detective Inspector Georgina Fearn, from the force's Rochdale CID, said:
Specialist officers continue to support Nathan's family, and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time. Nathan was a young man in his prime and his sudden death came as a shock to those who knew him. From the outset, we remained open-minded regarding the cause of death and explored several possible lines of enquiry as part of our investigation.
How has the community responded?
Mr Haigh, understood to have worked as a roofer and to have lived on the estate for around 20 years, is survived by his mother, Keeley Greenwood. She has spoken publicly of her heartbreak and established a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his funeral, describing the effort to give her son the send off he deserves.
In a social media post, Ms Greenwood wrote:
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share the heartbreaking news that my beautiful son, Nathan Haigh, tragically passed away on 11th August 2026. We are now trying to raise funds to give Nathan the send off he deserves during this incredibly difficult time. Any donation no matter how big or small, would mean so much to our family and would be deeply appreciated.
She added: RIP my son. I will always love you Nathan Haigh. Several other individuals have posted tributes on social media in the days following his death.
Is there any wider risk to the public?
Detective Inspector Fearn addressed potential community concerns directly, stating:
We understand that incidents of this nature may cause concern within the community; however, we do not believe there is any wider risk to the public.
Forensic officers were observed examining the flat where Mr Haigh is thought to have lived. The investigation remains active, with detectives awaiting the full post-mortem results to establish the precise cause of death. The case underscores the importance of maintaining an open-minded approach in sudden death investigations, particularly where initial appearances may suggest criminality but evidence ultimately points elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions about the Rochdale investigation
What was the initial suspicion in Nathan Haigh's death?
Police initially treated the circumstances as suspicious, leading to the arrest of a 37-year-old woman on suspicion of murder. However, following extensive enquiries, murder has been ruled out as a line of enquiry.
Has anyone been charged in connection with the death?
No charges have been brought. The woman arrested has been released but remains on bail for assault. Detectives are awaiting the full post-mortem results before concluding their investigation.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident took place at a flat on Great Howarth, near Wardle, in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. Emergency services were called shortly before 7.40pm on Tuesday August 11.
How can the public support the family?
A GoFundMe page has been established by Nathan Haigh's mother, Keeley Greenwood, to raise funds for his funeral. Donations of any size are being accepted to help give him what she describes as the send off he deserves.