A MAN has been charged with the murder of a Scottish man who was found dead at a house in Bury.

Ian Gary Connell, 39, of Duke Street, Bolton, will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday over the death of Donald “Prentice” Patience, 45.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers were called to an address in Ainsworth Road in Radcliffe, Bury, around 10.30am on Tuesday following reports that a white labradoodle had been stolen.

The force said it has now been established that Mr Patience, who was originally from Alness near Invergordon, “had been dead for several days”, although his cause of death remains unknown and is still being investigated.

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

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

On Friday, the house remained cordoned off and forensic officers were coming in and out of the address.

Flowers had been left by the back wall of the house and the dog is currently being looked after by the relevant authority.