Murder investigation launched after man punched in Rochdale dies

Police have launched a murder investigation after a 59-year-old man who was assaulted in Rochdale died.

The man was punched in the face outside Dixy Chicken takeaway on Reed Hill, off Yorkshire Street, at around 9.15pm on Thursday 28 September.

He fell backwards and hit his head on the floor. He was taken to hospital with a serious head injury, and later died.

Police believe he might have been approached by up to five men outside the takeaway, and one of them assaulted him.

An 18-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault has been released under investigation.

GMP’s Detective Inspector Wes Knights said: "Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this tragic time, we are doing all that we can to find those responsible and give the family the answers they deserve.

“I need to hear from anyone who was in the Reed Hill area yesterday evening at around this time, who may have seen something.

"It's a busy part of town in the evening and I would urge people to come forward with information which could be vital for us trying to establish how this man came to be seriously assaulted."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 2356 of 28/09/17.