A STOLEN labradoodle was taken for a haircut just after its owner was murdered in a burglary gone wrong, it has been claimed.

       A suspected dog thief is said to have taken it to a grooming salon in the moments following dad-of-three Donald Patience's death.

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       Donald Patience was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester last Tuesday Credit: PA

       The 45-year-old was discovered dead last Tuesday at his home in Radcliffe in Bury, Greater Manchester, prompting a murder probe.

       He is thought to have been killed in what Greater Manchester Police called a "targeted attack" during a burglary.

       Now it has been reported one of the suspects allegedly took the stolen labradoodle to a grooming salon 160ft from the crime scene.

       Dog Shop owner Mick Hewitson, 58, told of having just opened up when a "young man" came in and asked him to the the dog's hair.

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       Mr Hewitson described how the "calm" man said his "boss had gone to Scotland" and he "wanted the dog's hair cut while he was away".

       He added: "I’ve got a sore shoulder and the dog was a big thing so I told him I couldn’t do it at the moment.

       "Probably about 30 minutes later I looked outside and that same man was being arrested and the police were looking after the same dog."

       Police appealed for information about activity near Mr Patience's end-of-terrace home in the four days before his death last Tuesday.

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       There have been suggestions he was being monitored in the lead-up to the attempted burglary, the Telegraph reported.

       Det Chief Insp Rachel Smith of GMP's Major Incident Team said: "We are also looking for people who may know Donald, have seen him walking his beloved white labradoodle in the local area or have any knowledge of any activity at or near his address, which is an end terrace on Ainsworth Road, since Friday 18 August 2023."

       The force has arrested three men on suspicion of murder, with a 39-year-old remaining in custody while two other suspects aged 41 and 27 have been bailed.

       The labradoodle is being looked after by officials, police said.

       Mr Patience's devastated family have paid tribute to the man known to friends as Prentice.

       He was described as "a much-loved son, brother and father" who would be "sorely missed by many".

       His ex-wife Kirsty Leigh Banks posted online about the loss of "an extremely incredible man".

       She wrote: "Despite whatever happened between us, Prentice was an amazing father and adored his children.

       "We are all truly heartbroken at this news and we are all struggling to come to terms with his death."

       Police have not revealed the cause of death though a post-mortem deemed it "suspicious".

       Mr Patience had been robbed months before, it was revealed, with raiders taking several televisions, a child's bike and his brother's car.

       He outlined details of the break-in in a note to neighbours in January.

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       Police have asked anyone with information which could help to contact GMP’s Major Incident Team direct on 0161 856 3635 or 101 quoting incident number 1139 of 22/08/2023.

       Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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       Mr Patience had posted pictures of a labradoodle on social media 8

       Pet photos were shared by him on Facebook 8

       A smashed window at Mr Patience's home Credit: Zenpix 8

       Police have been inspecting the crime scene in Radcliffe in Bury Credit: Zenpix 8

       Tributes have been left outside the victim's home in Greater Manchester Credit: PA 8

       He had three children with Kirsty Leigh Banks who called him 'an amazing father' Credit: Facebook 8

       A police forensic officer at Mr Patience's end-of-terrace home Credit: Zenpix