Man who died after attack '˜robbed as he lay on the ground'

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that a 31-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of the man on Wednesday evening in Leigh.

The arrested man remains in police custody for questioning.

Police said they were called to the scene of the “violent attack” in Railway Road at around 11.45pm where the victim was being treated for life-threatening injuries by paramedics.

Further inquiries revealed that prior to the emergency services arriving, the victim had personal items stolen from him.

A GMP spokesperson said: “Further inquiries into the man’s death have revealed that he was attacked by a group of people and had personal items stolen from him some time prior to the ambulance service attending.”

The attack is believed to have happened at around 11.30pm close to the Oceans 11 chip shop. The man was taken to hospital but died a short time later. The scene remains cordoned off.

Police are now appealing for information.

Detective Chief Inspector Jane Little from GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the man’s family at this incredibly difficult time and we currently have specially trained officers working to prove them with support.

“Less than 12 hours on from this man’s tragic death, we are still in the very early stages of our investigation and our inquiries are on-going.

“I know this incident may cause some concern locally but I want to stress that we have launched a full investigation and are actively trying to find those responsible for the attack.

“This was a violent attack and we are appealing for anybody who may have witnessed it or have information on the circumstances surrounding it to please contact police.”

One business owner at the scene, who wanted to be known only as “Leon”, said that he heard that three people had attacked the man.

He said: “As far as I know three people have attacked the man outside the chip shop, beaten him up, robbed him and he has died. The chip shop wasn’t open.

“There’s pubs down at the bottom, there’s a hostel at the top that mainly caters for people who have come out of prison or ex-drug users and there are some flats and bedsits.

“I think it’s just like any other towns. I can’t speculate, I can’t say what has happened. Every town centre has these problems late at night, the police are always out, there’s people drunk and on drugs.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 8797 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.