A man has been charged with murder after police in Bury found a body while responding to reports of a white labradoodle being stolen.

Ian Gary Connell, 39, of Duke Street, Bolton, was due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court today.

Donald ‘Prentice’ Patience, 45, was discovered by officers at a house on Ainsworth Road at around 10.30am on Tuesday, where the theft of the dog was believed to be in progress.

Greater Manchester Police said Mr Patience, who was originally from Scotland, had been dead for several days, although the cause of death is still unknown.

Mr Patience’s loved ones described him as “a much-loved son, brother and father” who “will be sorely missed by many”.

Two other men, aged 27 and 41, were arrested on suspicion of murder but have been bailed pending further inquiries.

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Police previously said the labradoodle was being looked after by a relevant authority.

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