Alberto Ursu, 38, died in Rochdale New Year’s Day. Hassan Suliman charged. Police seek two potential witnesses.
Alberto Ursu died early New Year’s Day. The alleged incident involved Essex Street and Sussex Street. Police were called around 2:40 AM and found him with a knife wound.
Hassan Suliman was charged with Ursu’s murder and faces other charges too. Suliman, 30, lives on Rothesay Terrace. He pleaded not guilty to all six charges in court.
Police put a cordon on the street and set up an evidence tent. Forensics investigated the area on New Year’s Day.
Michelle Elizabeth Blake paid tribute to Ursu, saying he was happy and good-hearted. Simona Simeonova called him “amazing.” He cared deeply for his family and helped everyone.
Police continue to investigate the incident and reviewed CCTV footage. They want to speak to a man and woman who might have key information.
The pair walked near Essex Street around midnight, heading towards Milkstone Road. The man carried an iPad, then dropped it and picked it up later.
Police say these two are not suspects and aren’t linked to Ursu’s death. However, police think they may know something. Their information could help the investigation.
Detective Inspector Paul Davies spoke about the case, saying they’ve explored many leads. The police have found two important witnesses they need to speak with.
Davies said they can’t identify the pair and asks them to come forward. Police want information they might have. His thoughts are with Ursu’s family.
Suliman used a Sudanese interpreter in court and denied all six charges read to him. This included the murder charge against him. He denied knife possession on Essex Street, twice. Suliman also denied having a wooden chair and denied assaulting a woman between Dec 13 and Jan 2, 2025. He denied beating another woman during same dates.
Judge Maurice Greene kept Suliman in custody. The trial will start on July 28.
Anyone with information can contact police. Call 101 and mention incident 715. The date was January 1, 2025. People may also contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.