Ex-rugby player found dead was 'larger than life'

A former rugby league player whose death has prompted a murder investigation was "a well-known face throughout the community game", according to one of the clubs he played for.

The body of a man, named locally as 50-year-old Mick Martindale, was discovered at a property in Eldon Street, Oldham, at about 19:50 BST on Saturday, said Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

In a tribute posted on social media, Oldham Rugby League Football Club said he wore the Roughyeds' shirt "with pride" in the late 1990s.

GMP said it had arrested a 64-year-old man on suspicion of murder and that he remained in custody.

GMP said Mr Martindale's cause of death had not yet been determined.

His family are being supported by specialist officers, said a force spokesperson.

The Roughyeds said their former player, who also coached at Oldham St Annes, was a popular face within the sport.

Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust said Mr Martindale was part of the Roughyeds squad when the club reformed.

They said his "powerful frame and skilful hands saw him pose an attacking threat every time he had the ball".

The trust said Mr Martindale made his debut as a teenager at Halifax Panthers and then had a spell at Wakefield before arriving at Oldham in time for the second competitive match of the 1998 season against Widnes Vikings.

Mr Martindale played 26 games for Oldham that year, including in the final of the Trans-Pennine Cup against Batley, and scored seven tries before moving to Rochdale.

"He later helped Oldham St Annes to win the National Cup and has remained popular and a well-known figure in the amateur game," the trust added.

"A larger-than-life character gone far too soon."

Det Insp Andrew Barrett, from Oldham CID, has urged anyone with any information about Mr Martindale's death to contact GMP.

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