What police know about Mark Bradbury’s murder a month on

The 58-year-old was last seen on the evening on Thursday, August 1 – with the beloved dad’s body found at his home on Station Road South in Padgate three days later.

But a month into the murder investigation, police have not yet made any arrests over Mr Bradbury’s death.

Mark Bradbury

So what do detectives know about his killing?

When was Mark Bradbury last seen alive?

Mr Bradbury was last seen outside his bungalow near to the Birchwood Way subway at around 5pm on Thursday, August 1.

He had returned home after walking his golden retriever with his brother.

When was he killed?

Police are uncertain of exactly when Mark Bradbury was murdered.

It was three days after his last sighting that police officers responding to reports of concern a man’s safety at around 10pm on Sunday, August 4, discovered that he had been killed.

He had suffered ‘significant’ head injuries after being ‘brutally’ attacked in his own home – only metres away from where Garry Newlove was murdered on the same street.

Who was Mark Bradbury?

Mark Bradbury was described as a family man, the ‘life and soul of the party’ and a lover of dogs and sports in the wake of his death.

His 19-year-old daughter Hannah paid tribute to her dad, the pair having had a ‘very loving relationship’.

The teenager said: “Mark was a family man, the life and soul of every party, generous and loyal.

“Everyone who knew him is suffering from immense heartache.

“A lover of sport, dogs and his daughter, Mark will be greatly missed as he is loved.”

Comments left on the Warrington Guardian’s Facebook page described him as a ‘lovely, fun person’ who ‘brought happiness and smiles to so many’.

One floral tribute left at the scene read: “Thank you for always being there and thank you for the memories – we shared so many laughs.”

Do police have any leads?

Cheshire Police is treating Mr Bradbury’s suspected low-level involvement in the supply of cocaine as a key lead in tracing his killer.

Officers have appealed for information from the public into this aspect of his life.

Detective inspector Sarah Oliver, who is leading the murder investigation, said: “This is not about residents seeing anything different, but more about who was visiting Mark’s address and the vehicles they were using in the weeks running up to his death.

“During our investigation, a picture has emerged of Mark’s involvement in the supply of drugs – and this is a line of enquiry that we are pursuing in connection with his death.

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DI Oliver

“The individuals who frequented his address may have some information that could hold the key to us finding those involved.

“I know people may feel reluctant in coming forward and reticent to speak to police, but they can call Crimestoppers anonymously.

“We are also keen to piece together Mark’s movements from when he was last seen on Thursday, August 1, to when he was found on Sunday and are asking anyone who may have seen him during this time to contact us.

“I believe the answer to this crime lies in information from the local community.”

Why has the investigation been complicated for detectives?

A possible lengthy period between Mr Bradbury’s murder and his body being discovered made investigating the crime scene ‘very difficult’.

And while his death was initially treated as unexplained by officers, a murder investigation - codenamed Operation Keynotes - was only opened following a subsequent Home Office post-mortem.

Forensics experts remained on scene more than two weeks after his killing.

DI Oliver added: “It’s very difficult to establish when Mark died.

“It’s been very challenging, because it’s a significant amount of time between Thursday afternoon and Sunday afternoon.

“The crime scene is very challenging, and it’s been very difficult for staff here – it’s taken some time for us to build up that picture of Mark.”

How can I help?

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML476959, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.