SIX people have been interviewed and released without charge as detectives continue the hunt for the killer of a Radcliffe man.

However, detectives remain confident that their round-the-clock investigations will lead to the identity of Shane Eckersley's murderer.

Mr Eckersley, aged 40, of Gingham Park, was punched several times in the face in a fight outside a restaurant in Pendleton on November 22. He died less than 48 hours later from a fractured skull.

Detective Inspector Robert Kelly, of Salford Police, said: "We have made six arrests, interviewed countless witnesses and all the officers are working fervently to solve this case.

"It is just a matter of time before we find Shane's killer but, in the meantime, we would still like to hear from as many witnesses as possible."

Mr Eckersley, originally from Horwich, and his friend, Neil Snelgrove, were drinking in the Saigon Oriental restaurant in Lower Broughton Road when an argument broke out in the bar area with a group of other customers.

As many as 30 people left at closing time and the argument continued on the pavement where the two men were attacked. Mr Eckersley did not regain consciousness and died 36 hours later in Hope Hospital.

His 12-year-old son and his estranged wife are continuing to be comforted by friends and relatives.

SIX people have been interviewed and released without charge as detectives continue the hunt for the killer of a Radcliffe man.

However, detectives remain confident that their round-the-clock investigations will lead to the identity of Shane Eckersley's murderer.

Mr Eckersley, aged 40, of Gingham Park, was punched several times in the face in a fight outside a restaurant in Pendleton on November 22. He died less than 48 hours later.

Det Insp Robert Kelly, of Salford Police, said: "We have made six arrests, interviewed countless witnesses and all the officers are working fervently to solve this case.

"It is just a matter of time before we find Shane's killer but, in the meantime, we would still like to hear from as many witnesses as possible."

Mr Eckersley, originally from Horwich, and his friend, Neil Snelgrove, were drinking in the Saigon Oriental restaurant in Lower Broughton Road when an argument broke out in the bar area with a group of other customers.