DETECTIVES believe a man who was murdered in a machete attack on Christmas Eve probably knew his killer.

Martin Rankin, aged 37, of Glenvale Close, Radcliffe, was slashed about the head with a machete during an attack at his home.

He was found with multiple wounds shortly after 1.20am. He died of his injuries in hospital a week later, on New Year's Eve.

Detective Inspector Simon Collier, of Whitefield CID, said: "It is unlikely that this was an attack by strangers and we believe it may have followed an incident during the day or evening of Friday, December 23."

Since Mr Rankin's death, police have had a limited response from the public and are now launching a fresh appeal for information.

DI Collier said: "The motive for this violent attack on Mr Rankin is still not clear.

"However, we believe that people living in the Radcliffe community have important information about his death but have not yet come forward.

"I would appeal for anyone who knows of any reason why Martin was attacked to come forward.

"Any information passed to the police will be treated sensitively and in the strictest confidence.

"If people don't feel able to speak directly to police, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously."

After Mr Rankin was discovered at his home, he was taken to Fairfield Hospital and was later transferred to Hope Hospital where he died.

It is believed that he was attacked inside the house which officers condoned off while they carried out a forensic examinations.

Mr Rankin suffered several serious wounds and detectives think that more than one person could have been involved in the attack.

A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Rankin died as a result of a head injury.

Anyone with information should contact Whitefield CID on 0161 856 8162 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.