Murder investigation launched following collision in city centre

Two teenagers have been arrested and a murder investigation has been launched following a hit and run in the city centre in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Just after 3am on Sunday 21st November, officers were called by colleagues from NWAS to a report of a road traffic collision involving a black Audi A3 and a pedestrian on Deansgate. The Audi made off from the scene.

Emergency services attended and sadly, a man in his early 20s was pronounced dead at the scene. Specialist officers are supporting the man's loved ones at this difficult time.

Early enquiries suggest that the man may have been involved in an altercation with the occupants in the Audi moments before the collision.

Two teenagers, 15 and 19, have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the vehicle was located by officers in Lancashire. They remain in custody at this time.

Road closures are currently in place whilst evidence is gathered and officers work to piece together the events of what happened.

Superintendent Arif Nawaz, of GMP's City of Manchester division, said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with the man's family and friends who are understandably devastated and we immediately launched an investigation to get the answers they rightly deserve.

"At this stage, we believe the man may have been involved in an altercation with the occupants of the Audi on foot moments before the collision occurred.

"A number of lines of enquiry have been followed up already overnight which has then led to the arrest of two males in Lancashire on suspicion of murder.

"A cordon remains in place and officers are at the scene doing CCTV checks, taking statements and gathering as much evidence as possible so there may be delays on the roads in the area.

"We would ask that anyone who may have seen anything, or anyone who may have seen the black Audi before or after the collision, should get in touch as the smallest bit of information could assist with our investigation.

"Anyone with dashcam footage around the area at the time is also asked to get in touch. Information can be reported online at www.gmp.police.uk quoting log 501 of 21/11/2021. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."