Murder investigation launched after 52-year-old dies in Rochdale town centre assault

A man, 52, died after being assaulted on South Parade in Rochdale in the early hours of Saturday. Two men are in custody as Greater Manchester Police investigate.

Murder probe after man, 52, fatally assaulted in Rochdale town centre

Greater Manchester Police have launched a murder investigation after a 52-year-old man died following an assault in Rochdale town centre, metro.co.uk reports.

Officers were called to South Parade at approximately 1.30am on Saturday, where they found the man unconscious. The incident occurred in the stretch between The Old Bank bar and AST Hampsons Solicitors.

Northwest Ambulance Service attended alongside GMP officers. The man was taken to hospital, where he died from his injuries despite the efforts of emergency services. Specialist officers are supporting his family.

Two men have been taken into custody and are being questioned in connection with the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Claire Brennan, from the Major Incident Team, described the events as "heartbreaking". "This is a heartbreaking incident in which a man has tragically lost his life," she said. "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."

Brennan acknowledged the impact on the wider community, adding: "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 remains ongoing. Police are appealing for witnesses who were in the South Parade area in the early hours of Saturday, and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who "may have witnessed the incident or seen anything suspicious before or afterwards".

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

Source: Sky News