Former rugby league star, 50, named as 'murder victim' after he was found dead at a flat in a Manchester estate
A former rugby league star has been named as a 'murder victim' after he was found dead at a flat in a Manchester estate.
The body of Mick Martindale, 50, was discovered at the property on May 28 with police arresting a 64-year-old man, who was later bailed, on suspicion of murder.
A murder inquiry was launched immediately with the cause of the popular ex Oldham player's death 'undetermined' but being treated as 'suspicious' by Greater Manchester Police.
An inquest will be opened into the loose forward's death in due course, a spokesperson for Rochdale Coroners' Court confirmed.
Mr Martindale's family is currently being given support by specially-trained officers, Manchester Evening News reports.
Meanwhile, police have been going door-to-door on the estate to make enquiries and offer 'community reassurance' to those living there.
Detective Inspector Andrew Barrett, from Oldham CID, said on Saturday: 'We are working hard to understand what has happened and get the answers his family deserve.
'At the moment, the man's cause of death is undetermined, but enquiries are ongoing, and we have made an arrest to progress this investigation forward.
'We have already spoken to several people living in the area, but house to house enquiries are continuing throughout the day.
'We would ask anyone who may have any information about the incident to please pass this onto officers, as it could be of great assistance.'
MailOnline has approached Greater Manchester Police and Rochdale Coroners' Court for comment.
Mr Martindale played for Oldham Rugby League Football Club in the late 90s and the team's Heritage Trust said he started out for Halifax Panthers as a teenager, before heading to Wakefield and then Oldham and Rochdale.
The star lifted the National Cup while at Oldham St Anne's, who he later coached after retiring as a player.
Tributes soon started pouring in for the sportstar, known as 'Tricky', following the tragic news.
Oldham RLFC said: 'We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Mick Martindale.
'Mick wore the Oldham shirt with pride in the late 90s, and was a well-known face throughout our community game, as well as in his coaching roles at Oldham St Anne's. The club sends its condolences to Mick's family and friends. RIP Tricky.'
Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust gave a biography of his career in an emotional Facebook post and added that Mick was a 'larger than life character gone far too soon', and recalled that he had 'remained a popular and well known figure in the amateur game'.
Meanwhile, Waterhead Warriors ARLC posted: 'Waterhead are saddened to hear the passing of Mick Martindale. Sending condolences to Mick's family and everyone at St Anne's rugby club.'
His boyhood club Halifax Panthers added: 'Halifax Panthers are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Mick Martindale over the weekend.
'Mick made his debut for Halifax as a teenager back in 1994, going on to make 7 first team appearances in blue and white Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends at this sad time. RIP'
Saddleworth Rangers posted: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mick Martindale.
'We send our condolences to all his family, friends and to all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.'
Former player Mickii Edwards said: 'Absolutely loved Mick Martindale and what a player he was. Much loved by everyone... you will be greatly missed.'
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