Paedophile suspect beaten to death
A suspected paedophile awaiting trial for indecency with young boys was battered to death in his own home, police revealed today.
George Crawford was due to appear before Manchester Crown Court next month charged with 10 indecency offences on two young boys.
The 64-year-old, who was pleading not guilty to the charges, was found dead at his home in the Kirkholt area of Rochdale, Greater Manchester, on Friday evening.
Police today launched a murder hunt after post mortem tests revealed he died from massive head injuries.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said it was too early to know whether Mr Crawford’s murder is linked to the trial or the offences, which were alleged to have taken place in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
He said: ‘‘We have to remain open-minded as to the reasons behind his death at this early stage.’’
Detectives are appealing for information.
