Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Murder victim's mum speaks out

28/11/2002

THE MOTHER of a man who died following an assault outside a Lower Broughton restaurant has spoken.

Unemployed joiner Shane Eckersley from Gingham Park in Radcliffe was attacked during a night out with a friend.

The pair were set upon following an argument between Mr Eckersley and another man inside the Saigon Restaurant on Lower Broughton Road which spilled out on to the street, on Friday at about 11.30pm.

The 40-year-old divorced dad of one suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to Hope Hospital, but died on Sunday morning. His friend, a 23-year-old man from Salford, is receiving hospital treatment for less serious injuries.

Shane's devastated mum Dorothy told the Advertiser: "He was going on Saturday but they switched his machine off on Sunday. I was sat with him the whole time. He had never been to that place before at all."

Police are keen to speak with anyone who was in the area at the time, and would particularly like to identify one man who is described as white, stocky, with dark hair and in his 20s, wearing dark jeans and a patterned shirt.

Det Supt Kevin Duffy said: "Shane had been out for the night with his friend and I believe there were a number of people in the area at the time, who saw the attack. There were people in the restaurant and many more on the streets surrounding it. I would urge these people and anyone else who saw what happened to get in touch with the police as soon as possible.

Shane, originally from Horwich in Bolton, leaves behind a 12-year-old son.

His mum added: "This incident has greatly affected all our family. Shane was much loved and his death has deeply saddened us all. We urge anyone with information or witnesses to contact the police as soon as possible. We don't want any other family to go through what we are feeling or going through right now."

Neighbour Doris Lord who lived in the flat below Shane added: "It is such a shame, I'm very sorry he has gone. He was a quiet man who kept himself to himself, but always said hello. He seemed very nice. He was always smart and wore nice clothes. It is such a shame, I'm very sorry he's gone."

Anyone with information should call police on 856 5153 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.