A DAD who was allegedly murdered when burglars broke into his home and tried to steal his beloved £1,000 dog had been robbed months before.
Cops found Donald ‘Prentice’ Patience, 45, dead on Tuesday at 10.30am after being called to Ainsworth Road in Radcliffe to reports that a white labradoodle was being stolen.
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Donald ‘Prentice’ Patience, 45, was found dead at his homeCredit: Greater Manchester Police
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Prentice recently posted pictures of a labradoodle on social media
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The details of a previous break-in were revealed in a note Donald sent to his neighboursCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
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He was found dead at home in Radcliff, North ManchesterCredit: Zenpix
Donald’s family described him as “a much-loved son, brother and father and will be sorely missed by many, affectionately known as Prentice”.
A home office post-mortem examination concluded that his death is suspicious and three men were this week arrested on suspicion of murder.
After being questioned two men, aged 27 and 41, have been released bailed pending further enquires, while a 39-year-old man remains in police custody.
Now it has been revealed that Donald’s end-of-terrace house was ransacked by thieves last December.
Police confirmed they stole several televisions, a child’s bike and his brother’s car.
The details of the break-in were disclosed in a note Donald sent to his neighbours in January.
It read: “I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year. I recently returned to my house to find all my stuff had been stolen.
“It included several TVs, my child’s pit, bike, gaming chair, hover and my brother’s car, a grey Mercedes C220 amongst other things.
“The car was used to remove items. This happened round about the start of November and the house was locked from the inside so I suspect it was a guest.
“I heard a girl and two males were seen removing items but could be misinformed.
“It would probably look like I was moving out and I was wondering if anyone saw anything?”
‘Detectives are continuing to investigate the death of Donald Patience which includes reports made to police previously,’ a police spokesman told MailOnline.
Labradoodle puppies are known to sell for £700 to £1,500.
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His family has paid tribute to the ‘amazing father’Credit: Facebook
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A smashed window at the sceneCredit: Zenpix
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Forensics at the scene of the murderCredit: Zenpix
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Prentice with his ex wife KirstyCredit: Facebook
Pictures of the scene show one the home’s kitchen windows has been smashed.
His ex-wife Kirsty today paid tribute to the dad, saying: “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 heartbroken at this news and we are all struggling to come to terms with his death.”
The dog was taken during the incident – but is now 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.
“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.”
Prentice’s eldest son was hailed as a miracle after he defied the odds when a rare condition left him battling heart failure when he was just days old.
The plucky youngster had three heart operations by the time he was four, his parents told a local newspaper in 2014.
At 13 days old, the lad had his first heart operation at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
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.
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Dog lover Prentice posted several pictures of Labradoodles on Facebook
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Flowers have been left at the sceneCredit: Zenpix
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The Man City fan’s home was broken intoCredit: Facebook
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