Man dies after being hit by a vehicle while lying in the road after being assaulted

The scene on Packer Street this morning

Police are investigating the death of a man in Rochdale town centre in the early hours of this morning (20 September).

Police say that the victim was assaulted following a conversation with three men. He was left lying in the road on Packer Street. Soon afterwards the victim was hit by a passing vehicle.

The men suspected of assault had already left the scene when the victim was struck by the vehicle, and had walked towards Rochdale Memorial Gardens.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the man in his 30s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries are ongoing to identify and inform his next of kin.

The driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene. No arrests have been made.

Detective Inspector Dan Clegg, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "This was a devastating incident during which a man was killed. A post mortem is yet to take place to establish the cause of death. We are in the process of identifying his next of kin so we can inform them. Specialist officers will then provide them with support.

"Our investigation is in the early stages but we are currently searching for three men. We know there were a number of people in the town centre at the time and I ask anyone who has information to contact us as soon as possible.

"We know incidents like this cause concern but, as ever, extensive enquiries are ongoing. Extra officers have been deployed to the area and anyone with concerns can speak with them."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 3400 quoting 563 of 20/09/20 of the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.