Tributes to 'gentleman' who fell from tower in Stretford

William Erskine, or Billy, was discovered dead outside Stretford House on August 26, days ahead of his 48th birthday.

At Stockport Coroners' Court this week an inquest opened into the death of Mr Erskine before coroner Alison Mutch.

Afterwards, his partner of six years, Sarah Doyle, remembered the floorlayer, who was a father and a grandfather, as "a gentleman".

She said: "We were due to be married next year. We made dreams together. 

"He was a great dad and a great grandad. He loved his family and his friends. 

"He was Manchester United mad and he travelled the world with them. The football lads were his life. 

"He was an amazing guy."

A postmortem investigation found the cause of death of Mr Erskine was "multiple injuries".

Ms Mutch asked for information and she adjourned the inquest to March 22.

She said: "Clearly in view of the cause of death of Mr Erskine it is necessary for me to open an inquest."

Addressing Ms Doyle and friend Kerry Voellner, who is another resident of Stretford House, she said: "I am so sorry to meet you in these circumstances. I can only imagine how difficult it is for you."

Previously, on August 26, a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesperson said: "The emergency services were called to Chapel Lane after a man was found with serious injuries after it is believed he fell from a block of flats.

"Officers are investigating after the man, believed to be in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Currently, it is not believed anyone else is involved in the incident. The investigation is ongoing."

The Messenger asked GMP for an update on whether the investigation is ongoing at this time.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.