'RIP Tricky': Tributes to Mick Martindale flood in as popular ex-rugby player named as man at centre of Oldham murder investigation

The man at the centre of a murder investigation in Oldham has been named as popular former Rugby League player Mick Martindale.

The 50-year-old was found dead at a flat on the Eldon Street Estate last Wednesday night (May 28). A 64-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and later bailed.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Coroners' Court, which covers Oldham, confirmed a file had been received in Mr Martindale's full name, Michael. An inquest will be opened in due course.

Mr Martindale played for Oldham Rugby League Football Club - The Roughyeds - in the late 1990s and was a well-known figure in local rugby circles.

Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust said he made his debut for Halifax Panthers as a teenager, before moving to Wakefield and later Oldham and Rochdale .

He won th