THE heartbroken family of a dad who was "murdered" when burglars tried to steal his beloved dog have told of their pain.
Cops found Donald 'Prentice' Patience, 45, dead in his Radcliffe home on Tuesday after being called to reports that a white labradoodle was being stolen.
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The family of Donald 'Prentice' Patience, 45, have paid tribute to the dad Credit: Greater Manchester Police 3
He was found dead at home in Radcliff,North Manchester Credit: Zenpix 3
Prentice recently posted pictures of a labradoodle on social media
Donald’s loved ones described him as “a much-loved son, brother and father and will be sorely missed by many, affectionately known as Prentice.”
And his ex-wife, with whom he shared three children with, today paid tribute to the dad.
Kirsty said: "This breaks my heart to have to write this.
"As a lot of you may have already seen, this week we lost an extremely incredible man.
"Despite whatever happened between us, Prentice was an amazing father and adored his children.
"We are all truly heart broken at this news and we are all struggling to come to terms with his death."
A home office post-mortem examination concluded that his death is suspicious and three men were arrested on suspicion of murder.
After being questioned two men, aged 27 and 41, have been released bailed pending further enquires, whilst a 39-year-old man remains in police custody.
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Labradoodle puppies are known to sell for ￡700 to ￡1,500.
The dog is being looked after by the relevant authority.
Cops are now appealing to the public who may have seen or heard anything unusual earlier this week in and around the area.
Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Smith of GMP’s Major Incident Team said: "First, as a force, we would like to pass on our condolences to Donald's loved ones at this extremely distressing time, we are doing all we can to get the answers they deserve and find out what has happened.
“Since we were made aware of this incident earlier this week our investigation has been swift and precise, with three arrested because of our enquiries with one at the scene at the time of the suspected burglary.
“I would like to reassure the local public, as I understand there will be alarm when finding out about this, but we are confident it is a targeted attack.
“We now want to appeal to the local community for any eyewitness accounts or footage of any activity that we may be able to link to this investigation.
“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.
“It is crucial we have as much detail as possible to help piece together what has happened in this tragic incident where someone has sadly lost their life.
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“We are keeping all available lines of enquiry open but no matter how small, your piece of information may be that crucial bit of evidence we need that can help us with this investigation.”
If anyone has any information or specific detail regarding the incident or Donald, they are asked to contact GMP’s Major Incident Team direct on 0161 856 3635 or 101 quoting incident number 1139 of 22/08/2023 or via the independent charity - Crimestoppers - on 0800 555 111.