Murder inquiry launched after 52-year-old man dies following Rochdale town centre assault

A man aged 52 died in hospital after being assaulted on South Parade in Rochdale in the early hours. Two men are in custody as detectives appeal for witnesses and footage.

Man dies after assault in Rochdale town centre; murder inquiry opened

A 52-year-old man has died after being attacked in the centre of Rochdale, Sky News reports, prompting Greater Manchester Police to launch a formal murder investigation.

Officers were called to South Parade — the stretch between The Old Bank bar and AST Hampsons Solicitors — at around 1.30am on Saturday. They found the man unconscious having been assaulted. The Northwest Ambulance Service attended alongside GMP, and the man was taken to hospital, where he died from his injuries despite the efforts of emergency services.

Two men are currently in custody and are being questioned in connection with the incident. Specialist officers are supporting the victim's family.

Detective Chief Inspector Claire Brennan, from the Major Incident Team, described the case as "a heartbreaking incident in which a man has tragically lost his life." She said the thoughts of the force were "first and foremost with his family and loved ones" during what she called "an incredibly difficult time."

Brennan also sought to reassure the wider public. "We understand an incident of this nature will also cause concern within the local community," she said, adding that a dedicated team of detectives was working to "establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and understand exactly what happened in the moments leading up to it."

The investigation remains ongoing. Police are appealing for anyone who was in the South Parade area in the early hours of Saturday to come forward, particularly those who may have witnessed the assault or noticed anything suspicious before or after it took place.

Anyone with information, CCTV footage, or mobile phone footage is urged to contact GMP on 101 or via LiveChat, quoting log 250 of 26/09/2026. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: Sky News