A teenager has been arrested over the manslaughter of a man with learning difficulties who his neighbours claim was hounded to death by yobs. David Askew, 64, was found dead outside his home in Greater Manchester on Wednesday night after police were told youngsters were causing an "annoyance" at his property. It emerged that police and authorities were warned years ago that he was being targeted by gangs. One neighbour said he had been "tormented to death - like bear- baiting". Greater Manchester Police said an 18-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over Mr Askew's death. Earlier, Mr Askew's mother, Rose, paid tribute to her son, saying he "wouldn't hurt a fly". Mrs Askew said: "Throughout the day I have seen and heard different reports by the Press about my son and about what has happened. I just want to say that David was a very happy person. He was kind and thoughtful. He was a true gentleman and would often help me around the house and with shopping." Police were called to his home in Melandra Crescent, but the youngsters said to be causing a nuisance had fled. Officers found Mr Askew, who lived with his brother, Brian, and wheelchair-bound mother, collapsed outside the property. He had not been attacked and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Mr Askew's neighbour, Avona Davies, 49, said his torment had been going on for some time: "This has been going on for about 10 years. We have complained to the police and council and they put cameras in their back garden about three years ago. They tormented David for money and cigarettes. They harassed him every night without fail." Chief Superintendent Zoe Hamilton, of Greater Manchester Police, defended the force's involvement with the Askew family, insisting they had done "everything" possible to protect Mr Askew.. | 
