Police have launched a murder investigation following an ‘incident’ in Rochdale, which led to the death of a man.
Officers were called out to the town center at around 1.30am today, where they found the 52-year-old unconscious after he was assaulted on South Parade, between The Old Bank bar and AST Hampsons Solicitors.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that Northwest Ambulance Service and GMP attended the scene.
He was taken to hospital for treatment, where, despite the best efforts of emergency services, he died from his injuries.
His family members are being supported by specialist officers.
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Two men are in custody and are being questioned in connection with the incident.
The police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with CCTV or mobile phone footage to come forward to assist with enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Brennan from the Major Incident Team said: ‘This is a heartbreaking incident in which a man has tragically lost his life.
‘Our thoughts are first and foremost with his family and loved ones who are being supported by specially trained officers at this incredibly difficult time.’
She added: ‘We understand an incident of this nature will also cause concern within the local community.
‘I want to reassure people that we have a dedicated team of detectives working to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and understand exactly what happened in the moments leading up to it.’
The investigation is ‘ongoing’, as an appeal has been launched directly to anyone who was in the South Parade area in the small hours on Saturday.
Police are keen to hear from those who ‘may have witnessed the incident or seen anything suspicious before or afterwards’.
‘If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, please come forward and speak to our officers on 101 or LiveChat, quoting log 250 of 26/09/2026.
‘Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.’
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