Man guilty of New Year's Day house party killing

Hassan Suliman who was found collapsed nearby by police officers has been convicted of manslaughter

A man has been found guilty of killing another man during a row that followed a house party on New Year's Day.

Alberto Ursu, 38, was found with a severe knife wound on Essex Street in Rochdale at about 02:40 GMT on 1 January and died soon afterwards in hospital, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

Hassan Suliman, 31, from Rochdale, who fled the scene with injuries, was later found collapsed nearby, GMP said.

Karla Pokutova, 31, who hosted the party where the disturbance began, was also convicted for attempting to conceal key evidence - by hiding three bloodstained knives behind a radiator in her home and lying to police. The pair, who both pleaded not guilty, will be sentenced on 14 November.

Alberto Ursu died in hospital shortly after the stabbing

Suliman, of Rothesay Terrace, was convicted of manslaughter at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday, but was found not guilty of all other charges.

Pokutova was convicted of perverting the course of justice, after forensic analysis linked the weapons she had hidden in her home to both Suliman and Mr Ursu.

She was captured on CCTV handling one of the knives and overheard telling a witness not to hand over evidence to police, GMP said.

Suliman was remanded in custody. Pokutova has been bailed until sentencing.

Det Insp Paul Davies said: "This was a tragic and senseless loss of life during what was supposed to be a New Year's celebration.

"Our investigation uncovered a chaotic and violent scene, but through forensic evidence, CCTV, and witness accounts, we were able to piece together the events and bring those responsible to justice.

"This case outlines the devastation of knife crime. One man has lost his life and another now faces a lengthy sentence. We hope this outcome brings some measure of closure to Alberto's family."