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| Police release CCTV of man wanted over rape and murder of Linzi Ashton | |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| Detectives have released CCTV images of what they believe is a recent sighting of a man wanted in connection with the rape and murder of his ex-girlfriend. | Detectives have released CCTV images of what they believe is a recent sighting of a man wanted in connection with the rape and murder of his ex-girlfriend. |
| The pictures show Michael Cope, who has been on the run for almost three months, buying food at a convenience store on Atherton Road in Hindley, Wigan, at 1.25pm on Sunday 14 July, where he also withdrew money. | The pictures show Michael Cope, who has been on the run for almost three months, buying food at a convenience store on Atherton Road in Hindley, Wigan, at 1.25pm on Sunday 14 July, where he also withdrew money. |
| Cope is wanted for the murder of Linzi Ashton, a mother-of-three who was found dead at her home in Winton, east of Manchester, on the evening of Saturday 29 June. | Cope is wanted for the murder of Linzi Ashton, a mother-of-three who was found dead at her home in Winton, east of Manchester, on the evening of Saturday 29 June. |
| Cope, 28, had a brief, turbulent relationship with Ashton, 25, a barmaid at the Duke of York pub in Eccles, police said. They have made several attempts to arrest Cope since the end of April, when Ashton reported a complaint of rape against him. | Cope, 28, had a brief, turbulent relationship with Ashton, 25, a barmaid at the Duke of York pub in Eccles, police said. They have made several attempts to arrest Cope since the end of April, when Ashton reported a complaint of rape against him. |
| Previously released CCTV footage showed Cope buying snacks, alcohol and soft drinks at a shop on Liverpool Road, Eccles, at about 10.45pm on the day before Ashton's body was found. Police believe he visited her shortly after this sighting. | Previously released CCTV footage showed Cope buying snacks, alcohol and soft drinks at a shop on Liverpool Road, Eccles, at about 10.45pm on the day before Ashton's body was found. Police believe he visited her shortly after this sighting. |
| Her two daughters, aged two and seven, were not at home at the time of death. A Home Office postmortem concluded that she died of pressure to the neck and multiple injuries. | Her two daughters, aged two and seven, were not at home at the time of death. A Home Office postmortem concluded that she died of pressure to the neck and multiple injuries. |
| Police have urged the people of Hindley and Wigan to remain vigilant and contact them if they have seen the man pictured. | Police have urged the people of Hindley and Wigan to remain vigilant and contact them if they have seen the man pictured. |
| Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Shenton said: "We believe Cope is familiar with the canal pathways between Salford and Leigh and may have spent time near the canal and waterways in Hindley. | Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Shenton said: "We believe Cope is familiar with the canal pathways between Salford and Leigh and may have spent time near the canal and waterways in Hindley. |
| "He may have been sleeping rough and we would urge people to report any suspicious behaviour around outbuildings, sheds or gardens, as well as disused railway lines and open land. | "He may have been sleeping rough and we would urge people to report any suspicious behaviour around outbuildings, sheds or gardens, as well as disused railway lines and open land. |
| Police warn people not to approach Cope, who is dangerous and may be armed. | Police warn people not to approach Cope, who is dangerous and may be armed. |
| "We understand these developments may alarm people in Wigan, but I would like to reassure them that we have a dedicated team of detectives, and specialist search officers, whose sole objective is to find Cope safely," said Shenton. | "We understand these developments may alarm people in Wigan, but I would like to reassure them that we have a dedicated team of detectives, and specialist search officers, whose sole objective is to find Cope safely," said Shenton. |
| "Patrols by local officers are being stepped up, and members of the public can raise any concerns with them." | "Patrols by local officers are being stepped up, and members of the public can raise any concerns with them." |
| Greater Manchester police have teamed up with independent charity Crimestoppers to offer a £25,000 reward for anyone who can help trace Cope. | Greater Manchester police have teamed up with independent charity Crimestoppers to offer a £25,000 reward for anyone who can help trace Cope. |
| Two men arrested on the evening of Tuesday 2 July on suspicion of helping Cope have been charged. A third man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been bailed until 15 August pending further enquiries. | Two men arrested on the evening of Tuesday 2 July on suspicion of helping Cope have been charged. A third man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been bailed until 15 August pending further enquiries. |
| David Sargeson, 27, of Sarah Street, Eccles has been charged with perverting the course of justice. Craig Blackburn, 26, of Ivy Street, Eccles has been charged with assisting an offender. | David Sargeson, 27, of Sarah Street, Eccles has been charged with perverting the course of justice. Craig Blackburn, 26, of Ivy Street, Eccles has been charged with assisting an offender. |
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