Dog owner ‘killed by dognappers was deliberately targeted,’ police say

A dog owner found dead in his home after police responded to a burglary had been "deliberately targeted", the force has said.

Donald "Prentice" Patience was found dead in his home on Tuesday (August 23), by police called out to a burglary, which saw the theft of his beloved labradoodle, Layla.

A 39-year-old man, Ian Gary Connell, has been charged with murder and was due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court yesterday (Saturday, August 27).

Two other men, aged 27 and 41, were released on bail pending further enquiries.

Police think Mr Patience may have been purposefully targeted and had been the victim of a break-in some months before his death, with three thieves heading into his home.

Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Smith of Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team said: "I would like to reassure the local public, as I understand there will be alarm when finding out about this, but we are confident it is a targeted attack."

Donald, 45, had been burgled over the Christmas holidays late last year and left a heart-breaking note for his neighbours asking if they had any information.

His letter read: "I recently returned to my house to find all my stuff had been stolen. It includes several TVs, my child's pitbike, gaming chair, hover and my brother's car, a grey Mercedes C220 amongst other things.

"I heard a girl and two males were seen removing items but could be misinformed."

The 45-year-old, who was described as "incredible" by his family, also wished his neighbours "all the best for 2023" as he searched for his stolen items, the Daily Mail reported.

Police confirmed an official report had been made regarding the stolen goods but "no suspect was identified after conducting a number of enquiries."

A spokesperson for the force said: "Detectives are continuing to investigate the death of Donald Patience which includes reports made to police previously."

One of Donald's neighbours, Andy Ramsden, has since said the note came through the door following the father-of-three's return from a Christmas holiday in Scotland.

Mr Ramsden said: "As far as I know he was renting the house, he'd been there for about three years, but from time to time he did have housemates staying there with him."

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