A ‘MANHUNT’ for two suspects is underway after a Blackburn College caretaker was ‘battered’ to death in his own home.

The body of Dominic Bibby, 31, of Delph Close, Shadsworth, Blackburn, was found by police after an anonymous tip-off from a public phone box.

Officers have named Glen Mould, 35, and Terrence Swallow, 36, as suspects and want to speak to them in connection with the death.

Both men are from Blackburn, but Mr Swallow has links in Blackpool and Mr Mould has links in Cornwall.

A 49-year-old woman from Great Harwood has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being questioned by detectives.

Detectives investigating the incident said the body of Mr Bibby had ‘visible injuries consistent with the use of a blunt instrument’ to his head and body.

They said he had been ‘subject to a sustained and vicious attack’.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Neil Hunter, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “From an early assessment of the body at the scene, there are signs of a serious assault and violence.”

Police believe that people had been taking advantage of ‘vulnerable’ Mr Bibby’s generosity to use his home for shelter and warmth and possibly taking money from him over a significant period of time.

He had previously lived in the terraced home with his brother Jonathan, sharing the mortgage and bills.

However Jonathan recently moved out of the house.

Both brothers worked in caretaking and cleaning roles at Blackburn College.

Mr Hunter said: “We cannot rule out people have taken advantage of Mr Bibby and used his home as theirs.”

Police made the discovery at the quiet estate off Accrington Road, at 4.45pm on Wednesday.

Last night forensic officers were still working inside the terraced home.

Mr Hunter added: “This investigation is still in the early stages. but we are following a number of lines of inquiry and I have a team of detectives work-ing to establish the circumstances surrounding this man’s death.

“I would like to appeal to anybody who has been in or around the Delph Close area over the past three or four days who may have seen something suspicious, or has any information that can assist with this inquiry, to contact police.”

Aged 17, Mr Bibby was hailed a hero after helping rescue his mother May from a house fire.

Neighbours yesterday expressed their shock as they woke to a major crime scene on their doorstep.

One elderly resident, who didn’t want to be named, said: “I knew something was up when I came home and saw all the police around.”

Mark Whittle, 48, of Delph Close, said: “The last time I saw him was at the weekend. There was big group of five of them going out.”

Another local resident added: “We have lived here for a few years and we did have a really good community spirit. But families have moved on.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 08451 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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